The dramatic fall of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among reached a new climax this week after security agencies seized luxury vehicles, searched multiple homes and reportedly confiscated electronic devices and documents in a widening investigation into alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering.
On Monday, heavily guarded CID-led operations at Among’s upscale residence in Mutungo-Kigo saw a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan bearing registration number UA 426 EH loaded onto a police recovery truck and driven through Kampala under tight security to Naguru Police Headquarters. Another luxury vehicle, a Range Rover with personalized registration AAA-3, was also impounded during the operation.
Videos and photographs circulated widely online showed boda boda riders escorting the impounded vehicles through the city centre as crowds gathered to watch what many described as one of the most dramatic anti-corruption operations involving a senior Ugandan politician in recent years.
The operation, which entered its second day on Monday, involved joint teams from the Criminal Investigations Directorate, military intelligence operatives and other security agencies. Investigators reportedly searched properties linked to Among in Kigo, Nakasero, Kololo and Bukedea.
According to Daily Monitor, investigators also confiscated mobile phones and financial documents believed to be relevant to ongoing investigations into suspected money laundering, abuse of office and unexplained wealth.
The once-powerful Speaker’s political collapse has unfolded rapidly over the last several weeks, fueled by growing public outrage over her lavish lifestyle and renewed scrutiny over corruption allegations that have dogged her leadership since the Karamoja iron sheets scandal.
The Rolls-Royce that ignited outrage
The controversy intensified earlier this month when reports emerged that Among had imported a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan reportedly worth about Shs3.4 billion.
The luxury SUV quickly became a symbol of excess on Ugandan social media, where many users questioned how a public official could afford such wealth amid economic hardship and persistent complaints about corruption in government.
Investigators reportedly traced the importation and customs clearance of the vehicle to Anita Foundation Limited.
Online criticism intensified after photographs of the Rolls-Royce circulated widely, with some Ugandans comparing the vehicle’s estimated value to public service budgets and social programs.
Reddit discussions and other social media debates reflected mounting anger over the perceived display of wealth by political elites.
The backlash soon evolved into formal legal action.
IGG petitions and wealth investigations
On May 13, lawyers and activists petitioned the Inspectorate of Government accusing Among of failing to declare or under-declaring her assets in violation of the Leadership Code Act.
Inspector General of Government Justice Aisha Batala Naluzze later confirmed that the complaint had been received and investigations had commenced.
“I can tell you we received the complaint, and we’re processing it,” Justice Batala told journalists in Kampala.
The petition sought scrutiny into Among’s declared income, liabilities and rapidly expanding asset portfolio, including luxury vehicles, high-end residences and other properties allegedly linked to her.
The probe added fresh pressure on the Bukedea Woman MP, whose public image had already been battered by international sanctions imposed in 2024.
International sanctions deepened pressure
In April 2024, the United Kingdom sanctioned Among under its Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime over allegations connected to the diversion of iron sheets intended for vulnerable communities in Karamoja. The sanctions included travel bans and asset freezes.
A month later, the United States imposed sanctions on Among, her husband and other Ugandan officials over alleged corruption and human rights abuses. Washington accused Among of involvement in “significant corruption” tied to her leadership of Parliament.
At the time, Among dismissed the sanctions as politically motivated and linked them to Uganda’s anti-homosexuality legislation.
However, the sanctions significantly damaged her international standing and intensified domestic scrutiny over her wealth and conduct.
Political isolation and Speakership fallout
Behind the scenes, Among’s political support within the ruling National Resistance Movement had also reportedly weakened.
As the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament intensified, reports emerged of growing divisions within government and pressure for her to step aside. Security deployments around her residences coincided with internal political battles over succession in Parliament.
Amid mounting investigations and security operations, Among eventually announced her withdrawal from the Speakership race.
“I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised,” she said in a statement quoted by Daily Monitor.
Her withdrawal marked a stunning reversal for a politician who had risen rapidly through Uganda’s political establishment to become one of the most influential figures in government.
Seized vehicles and widening investigations
By Monday evening, security agencies had removed at least two luxury vehicles from the Kigo residence, while car carriers remained parked inside the compound as searches continued.
Reports indicated that forensic investigators intended to transfer the vehicles for examination as exhibits in the ongoing probe.
Daily Monitor also reported that two staff members attached to Among’s office, including a senior police officer from Counter Terrorism, had been detained and questioned by investigators over alleged illicit wealth accumulation.
Authorities had not officially disclosed the total value of assets seized by Tuesday morning, but investigators were said to be examining cash recoveries, digital evidence, land documents and financial records obtained during the raids.
The CID and Uganda Police had not yet issued a comprehensive official statement detailing the evidence recovered or whether criminal charges would immediately follow.
Still, the sweeping operations have transformed Anita Among from one of Uganda’s most powerful political figures into the centre of one of the country’s most consequential corruption investigations in recent memory.
