Journalist Robert Kayongo has weighed in on the corruption investigations facing Speaker Anita Among, arguing that her predicament reflects a broader pattern of selective accountability within government systems.
In a statement, Kayongo claimed that the political establishment often protects individuals aligned with its inner circles while swiftly acting against those who fall out of favour.
He suggested that Among may have misjudged the nature of the system she served.
“What Anita Among forgot to understand is that the system she served was only designed to protect its own people, not everyone they pretend to work with,” Kayongo said.
He pointed to President Yoweri Museveni’s handling of past corruption cases, alleging disparities in how officials from different regions or political alignments are treated.
According to Kayongo, certain figures, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, appear shielded, while others face harsher scrutiny.
Kayongo referenced several past cases to support his claims. He cited the late former Permanent Secretary Keith Muhakanizi, who faced repeated corruption allegations but was reassigned rather than prosecuted.
He also mentioned Pius Bigirimana, who survived the Office of the Prime Minister scandal, while lower-ranking officials like Geoffrey Kazinda faced legal consequences.
Further, he said senior figures such as Janet Museveni and Jim Muhwezi have previously faced audit queries without significant repercussions.
Kayongo also cited former police chief Kale Kayihura and minister Kahinda Otafiire as examples of individuals who remained largely unaffected despite serious allegations.
On the ongoing investigations into Among, Kayongo argued that the scale of accusations against her does not match the treatment she is currently receiving when compared to past cases.
“Anita Among has not stolen even a fraction of what others have been accused of, yet her situation has escalated quickly,” he said.
He also referenced internal government disputes, including the case of Geraldine Ssali, who reportedly faced institutional backlash after attempting to challenge financial decisions involving minister David Bahati.
Kayongo concluded by warning public officials about the risks of serving within systems he described as inconsistent and self-preserving.
“Let Anita Among’s situation serve as a lesson to those who risk their futures serving a system whose true purpose is very different from what it pretends to represent,” he said.