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Sabiti Joseph
As joint security teams concluded hours-long searches at the residence of former speaker Anita Annet Among on Mackinnon Road in Kampala’s upscale Nakasero suburb, and reportedly expanded operations to other properties linked to her associates, a quieter but equally telling development began unfolding online.
Across X, formerly Twitter, WhatsApp and other social media platforms, several individuals previously associated with Among appeared to quietly distance themselves from the embattled legislator.
Political affiliations were toned down, profile biographies edited, photographs removed, and privacy settings tightened in what observers described as a subtle but noticeable digital retreat.
The changes reflected growing unease within sections of Uganda’s political establishment as investigations into alleged corruption and illicit wealth accumulation gathered momentum.
One of the most closely watched developments involved former principal press secretary to the outgoing speaker, Joseph Sabiti. Following Sunday’s searches, Sabiti appeared to have edited his X biography by removing references to his parliamentary role before later switching the account to private.
Several legislators, particularly from the Acholi, Karamoja, Teso and Bugisu sub-regions, also reportedly removed photographs of Among from their WhatsApp display pictures and reduced their public association with her political camp.
The growing online silence comes amid escalating scrutiny following the arrest of parliament’s director of communications Chris Obore and reported travel restrictions imposed on parliamentary commissioner Esther Afoyochan.
Security agencies are reportedly investigating allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office and money laundering involving both current and former parliamentary officials.
At the centre of the controversy are the controversial “service awards” shared among parliamentary commissioners in 2022 and 2023.
The payments, reportedly ranging between Shs 1.4 billion and Shs 1.7 billion per beneficiary, triggered public outrage after legislators approved the allocations internally without broader parliamentary scrutiny.
Among those linked to the payments are Anita Among, Mathias Mpuuga, Solomon Silwanyi, Prossy Mbabazi Akampurira and Esther Afoyochan.
Sources indicate that the investigations are being conducted following directives from President Yoweri Museveni, who has in recent months intensified public messaging against corruption and misuse of public resources within state institutions.
“Security teams are examining financial records, property acquisitions and digital communications, with particular focus on allegations that large amounts of cash may have been concealed in private residences or moved through unofficial channels,” a detective familiar with the investigations reportedly said on condition of anonymity.
The raids also come amid growing international pressure. Both the United States and the United Kingdom previously imposed sanctions on Among over allegations linked to corruption and abuse of office, measures that significantly damaged her international standing while intensifying domestic scrutiny.
The investigations further coincide with a sensitive parliamentary transition period. Although Among retained her Bukedea Woman MP seat, political observers increasingly believe she has lost momentum in the race to retain the speakership, marking a dramatic reversal for one of Uganda’s most influential political figures.
Under Section 11 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009, abuse of office and illicit enrichment attract severe penalties, including imprisonment and confiscation of unlawfully acquired assets.
The Leadership Code Act also requires public officials to fully declare their assets, liabilities and sources of income. Meanwhile, the Anti-Money Laundering Act empowers investigators to trace financial transactions, communications and digital records suspected to be linked to proceeds of crime.
Reports emerging from the investigations indicate that forensic teams are examining seized electronic devices, including mobile phones, in efforts to recover deleted messages, financial trails and communication records.
Public reaction on Ugandan social media platforms has been intense, emotional and sharply divided. On X, many users mocked the apparent distancing by former allies, describing it as “rats fleeing a sinking ship” and evidence that political loyalty often fades once power begins to weaken.
Activists and governance campaigners, including commentator Agather Atuhaire, have long criticised what they describe as opacity in parliamentary spending and weak accountability systems.
Online discussions also contrasted reports of luxury vehicles, expensive homes and lavish lifestyles with stalled infrastructure projects, delayed public salaries and underfunded social services.
However, critics, including National Unity Platform secretary general David Lewis Rubongoya and former Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi argue that Uganda has historically experienced selective anti-corruption enforcement, where investigations intensify during political realignments but rarely produce lasting institutional reform.
All individuals linked to the investigations remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty before a competent court of law.
, https://observer.ug/news/among-allies-go-quiet-online-as-corruption-probe-deepens/
