Elders from Teso sub-region have appealed to President Museveni to intervene in the ongoing investigations involving former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, urging that the matter be handled “fairly and free from political influence”.
In a May 28 statement, under the banner of the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), the elders expressed support for accountability and the work of State agencies but cautioned against what they described as growing political pressure and public condemnation before the conclusion of investigations.
The statement, signed by Mr Alloch William Akoll, a senior advisor on ICU affairs, called on investigators to uphold the rule of law, transparency, and the constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.
‘We appeal for the rule of law and a fair hearing during the investigations. While we respect the mandate of state institutions to ensure accountability, these processes should be handled with absolute fairness and adherence to the principle of innocence until proven guilty,’ he said.
The elders, who have put a disclaimer of being non-partisan, further appealed to President Museveni to approach the matter with impartiality and statesmanship.
‘We in the utmost good faith call upon the national leadership, particularly His Excellency President Museveni, whom we have always trusted in his wise decision-making, to look into these matters with the eyes of a statesman, elder and father, ensuring political differences are resolved through dialogue, consensus and respect for regional representation,’ the statement read in part.
The intervention comes amid ongoing investigations into allegations of illicit enrichment, corruption, and abuse of office involving Ms Among, the Speaker of the 11th Parliament. The elders also questioned measures reportedly taken against Ms Among before the completion of investigations, including the freezing of assets and restrictions on movement.
‘We further urge that the freezing of assets, restriction of movement, and sudden political isolation of a high-ranking national leader while investigations are still ongoing could be avoided or controlled to prevent public bias against the investigation process and its outcome,’ the statement said.
Since May 16, joint security teams comprising detectives from the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), anti-corruption agencies, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces have been investigating allegations against Ms Among. The teams have conducted searches at properties associated with her in Kampala City, Wakiso and Bukedea districts. Several high-end vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce Cullinan reportedly valued at Shs3.4 billion, a Mercedes-Maybach, and a Range Rover, were among items seized during the operations.
Mr Akoll said the elders were ready to engage State institutions through dialogue and peaceful engagement to ensure that justice is served without deepening political tensions.
The elders also highlighted Ms Among’s contribution to development projects in Teso and beyond, arguing that her record of philanthropy and community support should not be overlooked.
They cited several initiatives undertaken during her tenure as Speaker, including the donation of medical equipment worth Shs600 million to Bukedea Health Centre IV in 2022 and a donation of tractors valued at Shs300 million to farmers in Kidongole Sub-county, Bukedea District.
”The elders will continue to monitor the situation very closely and stand in solidarity with Rt Hon Anita Among as our daughter, to provide a peaceful environment for legal investigations into the allegations, while reaffirming our unwavering commitment to a peaceful, just, and equitable Uganda where every region’s contribution and leaders are respected,” the statement reads .