Among Hails Museveni’s ‘Mercy’ After House Arrest

Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has thanked President Yoweri Museveni for what she described as “parental grace” after her release from nearly three months of house arrest.

Among, who is also the Bukedea District Woman MP, said she was grateful for the restoration of her freedom and praised Museveni for deciding to grant her mercy.

“I take this opportunity to thank the Almighty God for the gift of life and freedom. My profound and heartfelt appreciation goes to His Excellency, President Kaguta Museveni, for his unmatched parental grace and decision to grant me mercy,” Among said in a statement posted on X.

She also thanked Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for what she described as professionalism throughout the period she was under restriction.

“I also extend my gratitude to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for his professionalism throughout this period. As the Woman MP for Bukedea, I look forward to continuing my work for my constituents and standing firm with our revolutionary leadership,” she said.

Among had been placed under house arrest following coordinated security searches at her residences in Nakasero, Kigo and Ntinda, as well as her office at Parliament.

During the searches, security personnel reportedly sealed off sections of the properties as forensic teams examined documents and electronic equipment believed to be relevant to investigations. Several vehicles were also impounded and towed to Naguru Police Headquarters for further examination.

The searches and seizures formed part of investigations into allegations of corruption and money laundering, with authorities reportedly seeking to trace financial transactions and assets linked to the probe.

The development comes after Among withdrew from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament, ending her attempt to retain the position she held in the 11th Parliament.

On May 22, Among announced that she would not offer herself for the Speakership, saying her decision was intended to preserve unity within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the NRM, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership of the 12th Parliament,” she said.

Among also thanked Museveni, the NRM and members of the 11th Parliament for giving her the opportunity to serve first as Deputy Speaker and later as Speaker.

“I am greatly indebted to President Museveni, my party, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker. I am equally grateful to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years,” she said.

The withdrawal followed a dramatic change in the NRM’s position on the parliamentary leadership.

The party had initially endorsed Among for Speaker and Thomas Tayebwa for Deputy Speaker. It later fronted Jacob Markson Oboth for Speaker while retaining Tayebwa as its candidate for Deputy Speaker.

With the NRM commanding a dominant majority in Parliament, Oboth and Tayebwa are expected to have an advantage when the House elects its new leaders.

Among’s decision therefore brought an end to her bid to continue occupying the top parliamentary seat after one term as Speaker.

Her release comes against the backdrop of investigations that resulted in the searches of her homes and parliamentary office.

The security operations reportedly involved forensic examination of documents and electronic equipment, while vehicles were taken away for further scrutiny.

The investigations have continued to raise questions about Among’s political future, particularly following her withdrawal from the Speakership race.

However, her latest statement suggests that she intends to remain active in politics and return her attention to representing the people of Bukedea.

“As the Woman MP for Bukedea, I look forward to continuing my work for my constituents and standing firm with our revolutionary leadership,” Among said.

Her release and withdrawal from the Speakership race mark a significant change in the political trajectory of a politician who rose from Deputy Speaker to Speaker during the 11th Parliament.

For now, Among has signalled her intention to return to constituency work while the investigations surrounding her remain unresolved.

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