A widening corruption storm is closing in on former Speaker Anita Among’s most trusted allies, with a growing list of legislators, parliamentary officials and political operatives now facing scrutiny over their close ties to her powerful inner circle.
What was once seen as an untouchable political network is now under intense investigation, as security agencies dig into alleged influence peddling, suspicious financial transactions and a sophisticated political mobilisation machinery that operated within and beyond Parliament.
At the centre of the unfolding scandal is a web of politicians believed to have risen through Among’s patronage during her tenure as Speaker many of whom are now emerging as persons of interest in ongoing probes.
Among the high-profile legislators whose names allegedly surfacing are Dickson Kateshumbwa, Amos Kankunda, Herbert Ariko, Dan Kimosho, Patrick Opolot Isiagi, Asuman Basalirwa and Abdu Katuntu.
Several of these figures have held strategic positions on powerful parliamentary committees, including Finance and National Economy committees that routinely interface with top government accounting officers and oversee multi-billion shilling transactions.
The investigations are also reviving long-standing claims that some individuals within Parliament allegedly solicited or received money from persons appearing before these committees, including individuals previously implicated in corruption probes such as Cissy Namujju.
Fresh attention has also turned to a series of controversial financial dealings involving relatives and close associates of influential political figures.
One case drawing renewed scrutiny involves the daughter of former parliamentary commissioner Solomon Silwany, known in political circles as Nshagi, who is alleged to have received nearly Shs700 million on her account through a Parliament-linked transaction funds that were reportedly withdrawn within hours.
The transaction is said to have previously attracted the attention of CID investigators, with Silwany reportedly questioned over the matter nearly two years ago.
Meanwhile, multiple senior managers and directors within Parliament are quietly being investigated over claims of receiving unusually large sums of money, allegedly ranging between Shs400 million and Shs500 million.
Beyond the financial trail, investigators are also unravelling an elaborate political mobilisation structure that Among is believed to have built across the country using loyal MPs, ministers and political agents.
Incoming Kabweri County MP Dr Patrick Wakida is among those being linked to the network, with reports suggesting he benefited from campaign support allegedly backed by Among, alongside promises of a future ministerial appointment.
Anthony Akol is also said to have become a key figure in Among’s political machinery following the death of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, helping her establish influence in the Acholi sub-region while countering rivals such as Norbert Mao.
In western Uganda, former Mbarara North MP Michael Tusiime has also emerged in the spotlight. Insiders claim he was strategically recruited into Parliament and later elevated to a director-level position in what is described as a calculated political move to weaken allies of Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
Cissy Namujju, already under scrutiny in separate corruption allegations, is also being linked to operational roles within Among’s network, including involvement in the acquisition of land in Kigo where a lavish residence—reportedly described as a “mini State House” was under development.
The probe is now stretching into regions such as Karamoja and Buganda, where several female ministers are alleged to have coordinated political mobilisation efforts on Among’s behalf.
A State Minister from Karamoja is reportedly among key mobilisers who worked to consolidate her influence in the sub-region, while a junior minister from Buganda identified only as “MD” is said to have controlled mobilisation resources in eastern Buganda.
Another minister from central Buganda is also under watch over claims she played a pivotal role in neutralising one of Among’s political rivals in Busoga.
With each revelation, what once appeared to be a tightly controlled political empire is steadily unravelling, as investigators piece together financial trails, procurement dealings and a far-reaching network of influence built during Among’s tenure.
The storm is far from over and for many within Among’s once-powerful circle, the real test may just be beginning.
