The controversy surrounding the reported acquisition of a Rolls-Royce linked to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has now drawn a strong public reaction from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, adding fresh political weight to an already heated discussion on wealth and leadership.
Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba questioned the symbolism of the luxury vehicle at the centre of the debate, saying he has never experienced such a car despite growing up within the country’s political elite.
“I have been Mzee’s son for 52 years but I have never sat in a Rolls-Royce ever. I don't think Mzee has sat in one either,” Muhoozi said, a remark that quickly circulated across political and social platforms.
His statement comes as reports continue to circulate that Speaker Anita Among has been linked to a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a high-end SUV whose total landed cost, including taxes and import duties, has been widely estimated in local reports to run into several billion shillings.
The figures have sparked debate over public accountability and the lifestyles of top government officials.
Media reports indicate the vehicle was shipped from the United Kingdom and cleared through Uganda Revenue Authority systems, with tax obligations alone said to amount to significant sums depending on valuation.
Among has maintained that the vehicle was a personal gift, a claim that has further fuelled public scrutiny and online debate.
The matter has quickly grown beyond the question of ownership, becoming a broader conversation on transparency, public service ethics, and income disparity between citizens and senior leaders.
Critics argue that such displays of wealth raise questions about accountability, while supporters of the Speaker say the focus should remain on legal acquisition rather than speculation.
Muhoozi’s intervention is expected to intensify the discussion, given his position in the military and his growing presence in national political discourse.
His reference to personal experience has been interpreted by observers as an indirect commentary on lifestyle expectations among public figures.