Political tension surrounding the leadership transition in Uganda’s 12th Parliament intensified over the weekend after a joint security operation involving the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) carried out coordinated searches at residences linked to the former Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.
The operation, which drew significant public attention, saw heavily armed security personnel deployed at Among’s residences in Kampala and Bukedea, with access routes temporarily restricted as investigators conducted searches inside the properties. Witnesses reported the presence of Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) officers alongside military personnel throughout the exercise.
Although authorities had not issued a detailed official statement by Saturday evening, the searches come amid growing uncertainty and political maneuvering surrounding the upcoming Speakership race in the new Parliament. Anita Among, who has served as Speaker since 2022, has recently faced increasing political pressure within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) as discussions over parliamentary leadership continue behind closed doors.
Sources close to the developments suggest the security operations may be connected to ongoing investigations into alleged financial impropriety and abuse of office, accusations the Bukedea Woman MP has consistently denied. The latest searches further deepen scrutiny surrounding one of Uganda’s most influential political figures.
The development triggered widespread reaction across political circles, with supporters of Among describing the operation as politically charged and intended to weaken her influence ahead of the formation of the next Parliament. Critics, however, argued that all public officials must remain accountable to investigative processes regardless of office or political standing.
Security presence around some of the residences remained visible hours after the operations commenced, while several lawmakers and political allies reportedly attempted to access the premises during the searches.
The operation also comes at a time when tensions within the ruling party continue to rise over succession dynamics and internal alignments ahead of the official election of parliamentary leadership. Political analysts say the unfolding developments could significantly reshape power dynamics within both Parliament and the broader political establishment.
Anita Among recently retained her parliamentary seat unopposed in Bukedea District and had widely been viewed as a frontrunner to retain the Speakership. However, recent political signals and internal consultations within the ruling party have increasingly cast uncertainty over her future in the role.
As investigations continue, attention now shifts to whether security agencies will issue formal charges or statements clarifying the exact purpose and outcome of the joint operations. For now, the searches have added another layer of uncertainty and tension to Uganda’s already evolving political landscape.
