Principal Road Safety Officer in the Ministry of Works and Transport, Ronald Amanyire, has reacted to the ongoing corruption investigations involving former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among, saying the developments raise serious questions about accountability in public office.
His remarks follow reported security raids on properties linked to Among over the weekend as part of an investigation led by the Inspectorate of Government into allegations of illicit enrichment, undeclared wealth and possible misuse of public resources.
Security agencies are also said to have questioned individuals linked to her office and taken several high-value vehicles for inspection.
Amanyire said he was taken aback by the scale of the allegations being circulated in public debate, noting that if confirmed, they would point to a deep disconnect between public leadership and citizens.
“I’m honestly shaken by these revelations about AAA. I never imagined Anita Among wielded so much political power or had access to the kind of money that could elevate her to the level of a national-security concern,” he said.
He added that the claims being discussed portray a lifestyle far removed from ordinary Ugandans, arguing that such a gap would raise questions about representation and public trust.
Amanyire also questioned the political dynamics surrounding Among’s rise to the Speakership, suggesting that the reports circulating point to a level of influence that many did not anticipate within the ruling system.
“The idea that she was so politically dominant that she could win the Speakership race without presidential endorsement is staggering,” he said, adding that he had previously assumed the President maintained firm control over the ruling party’s parliamentary bloc.
He further commented on the figures being mentioned in public discussions, comparing them to high-end international earnings and describing them as excessive in the context of public service.
On allegations of corruption more broadly, Amanyire said the scale of claims being investigated would require firm legal action if proven.
“What would she even say to the people she passed on her way to her constituency? They should feel insulted, mocked, reduced to spectators in a game they never agreed to play,” he said.
He warned that failure to fully prosecute the matter would damage public confidence in anti-corruption efforts. “If she is not prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, then the fight against corruption is over.”
Amanyire also referred to earlier allegations circulating online, including claims of questionable procurement and distribution of resources, saying such matters must be accounted for if they fall within official oversight structures.