A heated debate over Uganda’s renewed anti-corruption drive has intensified following remarks by journalist Arinaitwe Rugyendo, who suggested that the ongoing probe targeting former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among may be driven by internal political dynamics rather than a purely accountability process.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Television on Friday, Rugyendo said corruption cases in Uganda have historically been handled in a cyclical and selective manner, raising questions about consistency in enforcement.
“The NRM has been talking about corruption ever since they went to the bush. Almost every five years, there is always one fall guy for corruption and the country gets hoodwinked,” he said.
His remarks come amid a widening investigation into Among, who is facing scrutiny over allegations of illicit enrichment, failure to fully declare assets under the Leadership Code Act, and claims linked to procurement and state resources during her tenure as Speaker.
The probe, led by the Inspectorate of Government in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate, has already seen detectives search properties linked to Among in Nakasero and Munyonyo-Kigo.
Investigators also extended operations to Parliament, including the Speaker’s offices and financial oversight departments.
Rugyendo, however, questioned the clarity and intent behind the unfolding investigations.
“When it comes to Anita Among, something isn't very clear. Yes the country is hungry for the seriousness to fight corruption but what I see is a power play issue. It appears as if there is some fallout between AAA and the powers that be,” he said.
He further suggested that internal political tensions could be shaping the direction of the case, rather than independent institutional accountability.
“There are allegations that have been flying all over the place that AAA was ambitious and needed to be tamed. In Uganda, you can get away with anything as long as you don't scratch authority,” he added.
Among has previously denied wrongdoing, dismissing similar allegations as politically motivated. She has in the past faced sanctions from Western governments over claims linked to corruption, which she also rejected.
The latest developments have reignited debate in Uganda over whether anti-corruption enforcement is systematic or selectively applied depending on political alignments.