Anita Among Under Siege: Raids, Pressure, and Political Exit as Museveni Backs Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speakership

Kampala, May 16, 2026 — In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political landscape, outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among finds herself at the centre of a fierce storm involving security raids, alleged house arrest, and intense pressure to exit the race for the leadership of the 12th Parliament.

Security agencies, including a joint team from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), raided Among’s upscale Nakasero residence on Saturday afternoon. The operation, focused on suspected corruption, illicit enrichment, and money laundering, involved detectives, military intelligence, and forensic teams who searched the premises and scrutinised documents and assets.

The raids come amid growing scrutiny over Among’s wealth accumulation during her tenure, including public outrage over reports of a high-end Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at billions of shillings. The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has already launched a formal probe into allegations that she may have failed to declare or under-declared assets, in breach of the Leadership Code Act.

Sources close to the developments indicate that President Yoweri Museveni chaired a high-level meeting at State House where Among was reportedly asked to step aside from the speakership contest. Following the meeting, claims have emerged of restricted movements for the Bukedea Woman MP, with some describing the situation as a form of house arrest. Several newly sworn-in MPs have reportedly avoided contact with her amid fears of surveillance.

In a swift shift of alliances, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew its earlier endorsement of Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa. The group has thrown its weight behind Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the State Minister for Defence (General Duties) and MP for West Budama County South, who has since been publicly endorsed by both Museveni and Muhoozi as the preferred candidate for Speaker.

Oboth-Oboth, a seasoned lawyer and politician first elected to Parliament in 2011, swore in as an MP this week and is widely seen as a loyal establishment figure with strong ties to the ruling NRM. His emergence as the frontrunner marks a significant realignment in the battle for the powerful parliamentary position as the 12th Parliament begins its work.

Among has so far declined to comment publicly on the speakership race or the unfolding investigations. Her allies maintain that the actions against her are politically motivated, while critics argue they reflect long-overdue accountability for public officials.

As MPs continue swearing-in ceremonies and prepare for the leadership elections expected later this month, the saga surrounding Anita Among highlights deeper tensions within the NRM and broader public concerns about wealth, integrity, and governance in Uganda’s politics.

The coming days are expected to bring more clarity as the dust settles on one of the most contentious speakership transitions in recent memory.

TrendingUG.com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.Kampala, May 16, 2026 — In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political landscape, outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among finds herself at the centre of a fierce storm involving security raids, alleged house arrest, and intense pressure to exit the race for the leadership of the 12th Parliament.

Security agencies, including a joint team from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), raided Among’s upscale Nakasero residence on Saturday afternoon. The operation, focused on suspected corruption, illicit enrichment, and money laundering, involved detectives, military intelligence, and forensic teams who searched the premises and scrutinised documents and assets.

The raids come amid growing scrutiny over Among’s wealth accumulation during her tenure, including public outrage over reports of a high-end Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at billions of shillings. The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has already launched a formal probe into allegations that she may have failed to declare or under-declared assets, in breach of the Leadership Code Act.

Sources close to the developments indicate that President Yoweri Museveni chaired a high-level meeting at State House where Among was reportedly asked to step aside from the speakership contest. Following the meeting, claims have emerged of restricted movements for the Bukedea Woman MP, with some describing the situation as a form of house arrest. Several newly sworn-in MPs have reportedly avoided contact with her amid fears of surveillance.

In a swift shift of alliances, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), associated with Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew its earlier endorsement of Among and her deputy Thomas Tayebwa. The group has thrown its weight behind Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, the State Minister for Defence (General Duties) and MP for West Budama County South, who has since been publicly endorsed by both Museveni and Muhoozi as the preferred candidate for Speaker.

Oboth-Oboth, a seasoned lawyer and politician first elected to Parliament in 2011, swore in as an MP this week and is widely seen as a loyal establishment figure with strong ties to the ruling NRM. His emergence as the frontrunner marks a significant realignment in the battle for the powerful parliamentary position as the 12th Parliament begins its work.

Among has so far declined to comment publicly on the speakership race or the unfolding investigations. Her allies maintain that the actions against her are politically motivated, while critics argue they reflect long-overdue accountability for public officials.

As MPs continue swearing-in ceremonies and prepare for the leadership elections expected later this month, the saga surrounding Anita Among highlights deeper tensions within the NRM and broader public concerns about wealth, integrity, and governance in Uganda’s politics.

The coming days are expected to bring more clarity as the dust settles on one of the most contentious speakership transitions in recent memory.

TrendingUG.com will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.

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