Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that former Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among will not be prosecuted over the allegations that have surrounded her in recent months, saying President Yoweri Museveni has decided to forgive her.
“No. We shall not prosecute AAA. She made mistakes but Mzee has decided to forgive her,” Muhoozi reportedly said, referring to Among by her initials and to Museveni as “Mzee.”
The announcement comes as Among reportedly regains her freedom after spending more than three months under house arrest. Her situation had attracted significant public attention because she had not been taken to court despite the allegations that had been raised against her.
The former Speaker had been one of the most powerful political figures in Uganda, having occupied the top leadership position in Parliament before her political fortunes changed dramatically.
Among’s troubles reportedly emerged shortly after the May presidential inauguration and the swearing-in of members of the new Parliament. She was reportedly last seen publicly during Museveni’s swearing-in ceremony at Kololo on May 12.
She subsequently attended the parliamentary proceedings on May 13, when she was sworn in as the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament. Shortly afterwards, however, her public appearances reportedly became rare as security restrictions were placed around her.
Her fall from parliamentary power came amid allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment. Security agencies reportedly carried out searches at several properties associated with her as investigations intensified.
The operations reportedly involved police and military personnel who searched residences in Kampala and Bukedea. Various items were reportedly taken during the searches as investigators sought information connected to the allegations.
Several vehicles linked to Among were reportedly seized, including a Rolls-Royce said to be worth approximately Shs3.4 billion. The luxury vehicle became one of the most prominent symbols of the controversy surrounding the former Speaker.
Investigators reportedly collected electronic devices, documents and other materials during the searches. The operations generated considerable public interest because of Among’s high political standing and the nature of the allegations against her.
Despite the searches and investigations, Among was not publicly charged in court. Her prolonged stay under house arrest therefore continued to raise questions about whether she would eventually face prosecution.
The Inspectorate of Government was reportedly provided with information and evidence concerning allegations involving the former Speaker. However, no public court case against her emerged before Muhoozi’s latest announcement.
While Among remained under restrictions, investigations also affected several individuals who had worked within Parliament. Former Parliament Director of Communications Chris Obore was among those arrested together with six other suspects.
The suspects were reportedly remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations involving the embezzlement of more than Shs30 billion. Their cases are separate from any decision concerning Among and remain subject to determination by the courts.
Politically, Among had also suffered a major setback after she was reportedly pushed out of the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament. Her removal from the contest marked a dramatic change from her previous position at the centre of parliamentary power.
The latest announcement from Muhoozi could now bring a new direction to the former Speaker’s political future. As Bukedea Woman MP, Among continues to hold an elected position in Parliament despite losing the Speakership.
Questions are also expected to emerge over the property reportedly seized during the investigations. It remains unclear whether the vehicles and other items will be returned to Among following the reported decision not to prosecute her.
The announcement has further reignited debate about how corruption allegations involving senior political figures are handled in Uganda. The decision to forgive Among, if carried out as stated, is likely to attract both criticism and support from different sections of the public.
For Among, however, the development represents a significant turnaround after months of political uncertainty, restrictions and intense public scrutiny. She can now potentially return to public and political life without the immediate prospect of a criminal prosecution over the allegations referenced by Muhoozi.
The decision also leaves unanswered questions about what ultimately happened to the investigations and evidence reportedly gathered from her residences. As authorities have not publicly provided all details surrounding the matter, further clarification could be expected.
For now, Gen Muhoozi’s statement has changed the direction of the story surrounding the former Speaker, with the reported decision by President Museveni to forgive her bringing an unexpected end to a period that had placed Among at the centre of one of Uganda’s most closely watched political controversies.
