Lawyer Godwin Toko has escalated public debate surrounding Speaker Anita Among, issuing fresh allegations that he says point to a deeply entrenched network of political and institutional influence spanning multiple sectors of government and the private sphere.
His remarks come at a time when the Speaker is already under mounting pressure, following corruption investigations that reportedly included a security raid on her residence and renewed scrutiny over alleged illicit enrichment and wealth declarations.
In his statement, Toko alleged that Among’s influence extended far beyond Parliament, describing what he termed a wide-reaching patronage system cutting across state agencies, security institutions, religious bodies, and professional organisations.
“with the exception of the man with a big hat, no one ran a patronage network bigger than hers! Not even JPAM or Kale!” he said, comparing her alleged reach to other prominent political figures.
He further claimed that the network had created unease across different sectors of society. According to him, individuals in key institutions were now watching developments closely amid fears of possible exposure.
“And it’s not just MPs, incoming & outgoing; I’m sure there are tens of judges who didn't sleep last night! There are URA staff, people at Bank of Uganda, Makerere, the police, people at the IGG, UNEB, FUFA, the NRM secretariat, tens of RDCs, CAOs, pastors, bishops, priests, reverends, prophets, apostles, witchcraft practitioners, and hundreds of business people who are uneasily watching their gates,” Toko stated.
He also turned his attention to the electoral system and ruling party structures, alleging that they were heavily influenced in favour of the Speaker and her allies.
“As for the Electoral Commission and the electoral commission of NRM, those were virtually her playthings! She simply asked & they delivered,” he added.
Toko further alleged that internal party contests were manipulated to favour her associates, citing the denial of party tickets to some politicians while others sailed through without opposition.
“Her foes like Opendi & Namuganza didn't get the NRM flag. She and her friends got the flags at NRM, then sailed through the general elections unopposed,” he said.
He also claimed that petitioners who challenged electoral outcomes faced resistance within both electoral and judicial systems.
“Those who petitioned the EC hit a brick wall - the EC threatened some with arrests,” he stated, adding that court processes allegedly met similar challenges.
In a further allegation, Toko suggested that parts of the judiciary may have been compromised, claiming that certain rulings pointed to influence networks within the courts.
“Those who went to court met HER JUDGE; the one said to be on a retainer from her,” he said.
Toko concluded that any full-scale investigation would reveal extensive networks of influence, warning that partial action would not be sufficient.
“The system is unlikely to go all of it against her. If it does, and leaves no stone unturned, it will be the biggest purge since the Structural Adjustment Programme in the 90s,” he said.
The claims remain unverified.