Politics 25 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)

Museveni Pardons Former Speaker Among, Halts Corruption Charges

President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly ordered the release of former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, from house arrest and decided against pursuing corruption charges against her. The announcement came from Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who stated that his father had forgiven Among for her "mistakes.". Source: https://observer.ug/news/museveni-forgives-former-speaker-among-orders-release-from-house-arrest

President Yoweri Museveni has reportedly ordered an end to the house arrest of former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, and has decided not to pursue criminal charges against her. This significant development was announced by Lieutenant General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni’s son and Chief of Defence Forces.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba took to social media platform X to declare that his father had instructed him to release Among and that she would not face prosecution. He stated, “We shall not prosecute AAA. She made mistakes but Mzee has decided to forgive her.”

This decision marks a stark reversal for Among, who had been under investigation for alleged corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office, and money laundering. These probes led to her properties being searched in May and her stepping aside from the race for the 12th Parliament speakership.

Among was previously under scrutiny for significant wealth and lifestyle, including reports of owning a Rolls-Royce Cullinan valued at approximately Shs 3.4 billion. International bodies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, had previously imposed sanctions on her, citing corruption allegations related to her parliamentary leadership and the diversion of iron sheets meant for vulnerable communities.

Despite international pressure and mounting investigations, Among had maintained public support from President Museveni for a considerable period. The investigations had also extended to several senior parliamentary officials and aides linked to her, who faced charges including embezzlement and money laundering.

The President’s decision to forgive and halt prosecution brings a potential legal battle to a close before charges were formally filed. The implications for the ongoing cases against her former associates and the potential lifting of any asset freezes remain to be seen.