From Fame to Silence: How Museveni’s Most Loyal Minister Fell from Power in an Unexpected Twist

Evelyn Anite was once a highly influential minister in Uganda and a staunch supporter of President Yoweri Museveni. Many believed she had a bright and enduring future in politics. However, her fortunes have changed dramatically, and she is now associated with numerous controversies, leading to her downfall.

Anite first gained national prominence in 2014 when she played a key role in securing Museveni’s position as the sole presidential candidate for the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Her loyalty earned her the prestigious role of Minister of Investment and Privatization, where she was expected to boost Uganda’s economy.

Over the years, however, she became embroiled in several controversies. In 2017, she backed the removal of the presidential age limit, allowing Museveni to extend his rule indefinitely. She also claimed that the government had the military’s backing, a statement that sparked public outrage and was later denied by the army.

In 2024, she was accused of mishandling the Kilembe Mines project by unlawfully canceling a contract with a Chinese firm, leading to significant financial losses. The same year, she was caught in another scandal for falsely claiming to have met the British High Commissioner to Uganda, which strained diplomatic relations.

In 2020, after losing the NRM primaries, she controversially withdrew an ambulance she had donated to her Koboko constituency, stating that the community did not deserve it since they did not vote for her. This action drew widespread criticism.

Recently, Anite publicly apologized for her past mistakes and later left Uganda for Canada. She also removed her ministerial title from social media and deleted photos with Museveni, signaling a complete break from government circles.

Some believe her downfall was not solely due to scandals but also the result of political infighting within Museveni’s administration. Powerful figures may have seen her as a threat and worked to remove her. Others argue that she was discarded once she was no longer politically useful.

Her dramatic fall from grace highlights the unpredictable nature of politics. Whether she will make a comeback or fade into obscurity remains uncertain.