Keypoints:
- Uganda investigators seized Anita Among’s $440,000 Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- Authorities raided the outgoing Speaker’s Kampala homes over alleged illicit wealth
- Among says she will not seek re-election as parliamentary Speaker
UGANDAN investigators have seized a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan belonging to outgoing parliamentary Speaker Anita Among as part of a widening corruption and money laundering inquiry targeting one of the country’s most powerful political figures.
According to Ugandan media reports, the seizure followed coordinated raids on two of Among’s homes over the weekend as security agencies examined allegations of illicit wealth accumulation.
The developments come at a politically sensitive moment as Uganda prepares for a new parliamentary term following January’s general election, with the wealth inquiry fuelling speculation over internal tensions within the ruling establishment.
Luxury SUV becomes centre of inquiry
Local media, including the Daily Monitor, reported earlier this month that Among had imported a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan from Britain in April at an estimated cost of $440,000.
Authorities have since confiscated the vehicle as part of the ongoing corruption inquiry.
The luxury SUV has become a symbol of growing scrutiny over the wealth and lifestyles of senior Ugandan officials amid mounting economic pressures facing ordinary citizens.
Security officers from Uganda’s Criminal Investigations Directorate, supported by military personnel, first raided Among’s residence in Kampala’s affluent Nakasero neighbourhood on Saturday before carrying out another operation at her upscale home in Kigo on Sunday.
Ugandan media outlets also reported that investigators confiscated electronic devices belonging to the outgoing Speaker to examine financial records and electronic transactions linked to the illicit wealth probe.
The latest developments come months after Britain sanctioned Among over corruption allegations. In 2024, London imposed restrictions on the Ugandan politician in a move Kampala later criticised as external interference.
Among withdraws from Speaker race
As pressure mounted, Among announced on Sunday that she would not seek re-election as Speaker for the 2026-2031 parliamentary term.
In a statement, the 52-year-old politician said her decision followed ‘deep introspection’.
She also pledged her ‘total support’ to candidates endorsed by President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement.
Her withdrawal followed reports of disagreement within the ruling party over the leadership of the next parliament.
Several Ugandan outlets reported that senior figures within the NRM favour Defence Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth for the Speaker position.
Uganda’s lawmakers are expected to elect a new parliamentary Speaker on May 25 following Museveni’s swearing-in earlier this month after the January 15 general election.
Political rise draws fresh scrutiny
Among’s rise within Ugandan politics has been both rapid and controversial.
She initially built her political career within the opposition Forum for Democratic Change led by veteran politician Kizza Besigye before later distancing herself from the party.
In 2016, she won election as an independent candidate representing Bukedea District before formally joining Museveni’s NRM in 2020.
She entered parliament unopposed in 2021 and was elected Speaker in March 2022 following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.
Her tenure has repeatedly attracted controversy. Last year, Among faced criticism after publicly referring to Museveni as ‘God the Father’ while likening the president’s son and army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, to ‘Jesus Christ’.
Uganda’s government has also faced growing international criticism over corruption and human rights concerns. Washington previously imposed sanctions on several Ugandan officials, including Among, accused of graft and abuses.
Wealth claims defended
As scrutiny intensified, Among continued to defend her wealth, insisting that her assets stem from private investments across education, healthcare and media businesses.
Anti-corruption campaigners in Uganda, however, have repeatedly questioned the wealth and privileges enjoyed by senior political figures.
The Ugandan government has not publicly disclosed whether formal charges will follow the investigation.
The raids and asset seizures have intensified debate over corruption and elite privilege while fuelling speculation over internal power struggles within the NRM as Museveni prepares to shape Uganda’s next parliament.
Kampala has previously rejected foreign criticism over governance and corruption issues, describing some sanctions measures as politically motivated and punitive.
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