Downfall of a Titan: Inside the Multi-Agency Raid on Anita Among’s Luxury Mansion

KAMPALA, Uganda — Joint security forces on Saturday raided the Nakasero residence of outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among as part of an ongoing high-level corruption investigation into alleged illicit enrichment, money laundering and undeclared assets.

The multi-agency operation involves the police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the Special Forces Command and the Criminal Investigations Directorate. Security personnel heavily cordoned off the Nakasero home, located near Fairway Hotel, and reportedly denied entry to Salim Saad Uhuru, the National Vice Chairperson of the NRM for the Central Region.

The operation reportedly extends to Among’s other properties in Kololo, Kigo, Bukedea and Buyende. Unverified reports from local media and social media platforms claim security teams recovered billions of UGX during the searches, seized her passport and placed her under effective house arrest, with plans to impound her fleet of vehicles.

The raids follow a petition filed earlier this week by Kampala-based lawyers, which prompted Inspector General of Government Justice Aisha Batala Naluzze to launch an investigation into whether Among fully declared her income, assets and liabilities under the Leadership Code Act. Under the law, non-compliance carries penalties including dismissal, demotion, fines or imprisonment.

Public scrutiny has recently focused on Among’s acquisition of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at 3.4 billion UGX, which attracted 1.2 billion UGX in assessed duties by the Uganda Revenue Authority. Reports indicate that URA Commissioner General John Musinguzi Rujoki was summoned to State House this week with records of luxury imports linked to Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and other parliamentary commissioners.

These developments follow long-standing allegations against Among, including her involvement in the 2023 Karamoja iron sheets scandal, which resulted in UK sanctions against her, and claims that she directed parliamentary staff to withdraw large sums through private accounts. Among has previously denied all wrongdoing, attributing the criticism to her role in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

While no official arrests have been confirmed, sources describe Among as restricted under house arrest, with further action against her and named associates expected.

The operation coincides with political maneuvering for the speakership in the incoming 12th Parliament. Among had previously sought support from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda, but that backing was recently withdrawn after Muhoozi endorsed Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the position.

National Resistance Movement insiders and opposition figures have reacted swiftly, with some framing the raids as the end of Among’s political influence, while others express skepticism regarding the timing during the final days of the 11th Parliament.