KAMPALA, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has directed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba to release former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among from house arrest, potentially ending months of restrictions on her movements.
Muhoozi announced the presidential directive on Tuesday, saying the order would be implemented.
“Mzee has also instructed me to release AAA from house arrest,” Muhoozi said, referring to Among by her initials.
“We shall do that as well.”
The directive marks a significant development in Among’s circumstances after security personnel reportedly restricted her movements following searches at her residences in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea earlier this year.
Among, who is also the Bukedea Woman MP, stepped aside from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament amid investigations into allegations relating to corruption, wealth declaration and the management of parliamentary finances. Jacob Oboth Oboth subsequently became Speaker.
Among’s prolonged stay at her Nakasero residence had prompted appeals from political, cultural and religious leaders, particularly from the Teso sub-region, for the restrictions on her movement to be lifted.
Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, has led delegations seeking intervention over Among’s situation.
During a recent meeting in Kapeeka, the Emorimor reportedly raised the matter with Gen Salim Saleh and appealed for dialogue over the former Speaker’s circumstances.
Teso MPs have also said they had been contributing money to help Among meet household expenses following reports that her bank accounts had been frozen.
“Yes, the situation is bad for Among. We raise money for her food,” one Teso MP said.
“Among always supported our initiatives and we can’t let her down.”
Another MP said Among had been unable to access her accounts to meet basic household needs.
“It is really true that Among’s main problem now is food. She cannot access her accounts to buy food. So we chip in with our resources; it’s strange but true,” the MP said.
The decision to lift Among’s house arrest does not necessarily mean that investigations into the allegations surrounding Parliament have been dropped.
Several senior parliamentary officials have already been charged before the Anti-Corruption Court with offences including embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss in connection with investigations into the management of Parliament’s finances.
Among has previously maintained her loyalty to Museveni and said the President had protected her rather than mistreated her during the investigations.
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The former Speaker’s supporters have repeatedly defended her and called for her restrictions to be lifted, while authorities have not publicly indicated that the broader investigations have been concluded.
Muhoozi’s announcement could allow Among to resume movement and political activities after months of largely remaining at her Nakasero residence.
However, it remains unclear whether the presidential directive covers other restrictions reportedly imposed on Among, including the freezing of her bank accounts and other assets.
The extent of the order—and whether it affects the ongoing investigations—was not immediately clear.
The development comes as Uganda’s political establishment continues to position itself ahead of the country’s next electoral cycle, with Among remaining an influential figure in both national and Teso politics.
