Veteran journalist and CEO of Independent Magazine, Andrew Mwenda, has offered a controversial interpretation of the corruption scrutiny surrounding former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, arguing that the unfolding investigations reflect deeper political calculations within the ruling establishment.
Speaking during a televised appearance on UBC TV, Mwenda suggested that the pressure facing Among stems from what he described as a “convergence of interests” between State House and elements within the security leadership.
He argued that President Yoweri Museveni may have viewed Among’s rising influence in Parliament as a political risk, while also pointing to what he described as a hardline anti-corruption posture associated with senior military leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
“There was a convergence of two interests,” Mwenda said, adding that one side was concerned about her growing political weight while the other was focused on accountability messaging.
Mwenda further described Among as a “highly skilled politician,” noting her rapid ascent within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) since entering its ranks in 2021.
He claimed she had consolidated significant influence within Parliament, suggesting she would command overwhelming support in a hypothetical internal vote.
In his assessment, Mwenda said: “She is a very strong politician,” arguing that her parliamentary dominance has been underestimated in public debate.
He also linked part of the public backlash against Among to perceptions of wealth display, saying her visibility in luxury lifestyles created political vulnerability.
“Her mistake was exposing herself to public scrutiny through luxury,” he noted, suggesting this strengthened criticism against her.
On the corruption allegations, Mwenda challenged the dominant narrative surrounding the ongoing investigations.
Security agencies have recently searched properties linked to Among and examined financial records in a widening probe into alleged illicit wealth accumulation, abuse of office and related offences.
However, Mwenda dismissed the idea that personal enrichment was the central issue. He argued instead that parliamentary resources may have been used for political consolidation.
In his view, “her problem was not personal theft,” but rather the political use of state-linked resources to strengthen ruling party structures.
The remarks come at a time when Among remains under intense scrutiny both locally and internationally, with previous sanctions imposed by Western governments over alleged corruption-related conduct, which she has consistently denied.