Veteran journalist Charles Onyango-Obbo has offered a symbolic and historical perspective on the controversy surrounding former Uganda Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among, whose tenure ended under the shadow of a high-profile Rolls-Royce gift scandal.
His remarks add a reflective layer to a saga that has stirred political debate and public scrutiny across Uganda.
In his commentary, Onyango-Obbo revisits the origins of the iconic Rolls-Royce bonnet ornament, the “Spirit of Ecstasy,” linking its history to a tragic human story.
The figure, widely seen as a symbol of luxury and prestige, was modelled after Eleanor Velasco Thornton, a woman whose life ended in a maritime disaster during the First World War.
According to Onyango-Obbo, Thornton was involved in a secret relationship with British aristocrat John Walter Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, whom she served as a secretary.
On December 30, 1915, the two were travelling aboard the SS Persia when it was torpedoed by a German submarine in the Mediterranean Sea.
The vessel sank within minutes, leaving hundreds dead. While Montagu survived, Thornton perished in the incident, a tragedy that would later be immortalized in the Rolls-Royce emblem.
By drawing attention to this backstory, Onyango-Obbo appeared to suggest a metaphorical reading of the scandal that has engulfed Among.
He argued that the symbolism behind the luxury car’s mascot reflects a narrative of loss and tragedy—an interpretation he implied could have served as a cautionary tale.
“Pity we only paid attention to this now,” Onyango-Obbo remarked, adding that the historical context might have offered a warning about the implications of accepting such an extravagant gift.
He further made a pointed remark, suggesting that “The Thorn,” a reference to Thornton’s nickname, would have been a fitting moniker in the unfolding political drama.
The Rolls-Royce controversy has triggered wider discussions about ethics, accountability, and the conduct of public officials in Uganda.
Critics have questioned the appropriateness of high-value gifts to senior leaders, while supporters have called for due process and restraint in public judgment.
Among’s exit marks a significant moment in Uganda’s political landscape, with the scandal continuing to generate reactions from analysts, political figures, and civil society.