Retired General David Sejusa has offered a detailed account of what he believes contributed to Speaker Anita Among’s current political difficulties, pointing to ambition, internal networks and what he describes as a misreading of proximity to power.
In his remarks, Sejusa dismissed suggestions that external or mysterious forces were behind her situation, instead framing it as a gradual political process shaped by human behaviour and political interpretation.
“Between her and Pope? Noooo! She is not the first to flock to Vatican to get e mikisa... I remember others too... just excited with money and some power like others who go to witch doctors to seek more.”
Sejusa argues that Among’s early years in high office were marked by inexperience rather than ill intent, but says this changed as she became surrounded by political allies and advisers who reinforced her influence.
“At first, it was a case of indiscipline and inexperience (naivety), no ill intent against the system.”
He says her proximity to President Yoweri Museveni created a political interpretation among her allies that she was being positioned for long-term elevation, a perception he believes shaped her behaviour and decision-making.
“Along the way, with those ‘hangers-on’ flattering her, and the proximity to the President, she totally misread the President’s approach. And many do, actually.”
According to Sejusa, this perceived closeness encouraged the building of patronage networks and informal influence structures around her office and political base.
“So it started getting into her unsophisticated mind that maybe the President was signalling something… that maybe she could work her way to the very top in future. So she started building networks, embarking on patronage and establishing power networks.”
He also cites symbolic gestures and interactions as contributing to this perception, saying they were interpreted politically by those around her.
“Like the President taking her on his farm, driving her in his car, giving her all those cows…”
Sejusa further claims that her political trajectory became increasingly assertive, including actions he interprets as attempts to demonstrate proximity to power and influence within state structures.
“These showed an inexperienced but extremely ambitious trajectory.”
He links this period to her growing association with emerging political formations and alliances, arguing that it created what he calls overconfidence within her political camp.
“Then she boarded the PLU ship and worked overtime to show proximity to MK. This caused overconfidence.”
Sejusa also refers to internal party contests and parliamentary leadership dynamics, saying they further exposed tensions within the ruling establishment.
“So this was like a poison chalice, together with those pauses with the President during the campaign…”
He adds that her conduct in parliamentary settings and interactions with senior officials contributed to rising discomfort among sections of the political class.
“Saw when she blocked Mzee Ssekandi, the Vice President, from accessing the President… and pushing her body into him… she overshadowed Mzee Kigongo… arrogantly barking at MPs and ministers…”
On the question of responsibility, Sejusa says the outcome cannot be attributed to one factor alone, but rather a combination of personal ambition and surrounding influences.
“It could only lead to what we see now. Did she herself fully understand what she was getting into? I doubt.”
He concludes that those close to her also played a role in shaping her decisions, describing them as opportunistic actors operating within her political circle.
“Partly her own naive self and those hangers-on, some more cunning and using her to pursue their own paths… I’m sure with time, these will also be known.”