Contrasting Fortunes: Speaker Among Faces Corruption Allegations While Deputy Tayebwa Remains Untouched

Uganda’s Parliament finds itself at the center of a political storm, with Speaker Anita Among facing intense scrutiny over alleged corruption and illicit enrichment. Her homes have been searched, and vehicles seized as part of an investigation reportedly backed by President Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

In stark contrast, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, despite his close working relationship with Among, has not faced similar investigations. This differential treatment has led to public discussion and speculation among legislators and observers about why Tayebwa appears to be operating under a different framework.

Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, a legislator, commented that “Tayebwa can’t be handled like Among… They were always going to be handled differently.” This sentiment highlights a perceived bifurcation in how political figures are treated when facing allegations.

This isn’t the first instance of contrasting fortunes for the parliamentary leadership. During their tenures, Among has been successively linked to corruption allegations, drawing international sanctions from the UK and US, and prompting presidential inquiries. Meanwhile, Tayebwa has largely maintained a clean public image in relation to such scandals.

Both Among and Tayebwa secured unopposed re-elections, though their opponents have raised concerns about unfair practices. In Bukedea, potential challengers to Among’s seat were reportedly removed from the voters’ register, a situation observers have described as a “scheme.”

Similarly, Tayebwa’s path to re-election faced accusations of irregularities, with a National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate claiming he was unduly blocked from nomination by the Electoral Commission. Despite these claims, Tayebwa publicly persuaded opposition candidates to withdraw from races, facilitating unopposed NRM candidates.

The 11th Parliament has been marred by several corruption allegations, including claims of MPs receiving Shs40 million to pass a supplementary budget. While an online campaign, the “Uganda Parliament Exhibition,” exposed Among for alleged financial improprieties, Tayebwa remained largely unscathed, leaving netizens questioning the scope of the investigations.

Despite these disparities, Among and Tayebwa have publicly projected a united front, supporting legislative achievements such as the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. However, observers note Tayebwa’s apparent efforts to distance himself from some of Among’s controversial financial dealings, such as a meeting concerning service awards where he sent his apologies.

Tayebwa has faced his own past accusations, including allegations of railroading a government bailout for Roko Construction Company and the controversial use of taxpayer funds for a generator at his private residence. His responses to these incidents have often been defensive, criticizing what he terms “toxic” social media speculation.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/magazines/people-power/the-two-contrasting-worlds-of-among-tayebwa-5470950