Parliament scandal deepens as Among heads to Anti-Corruption Court

Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court today as investigations into an alleged Shs31.9 billion embezzlement scandal at Parliament gather pace.

Sources indicate that Among, who has reportedly been under house arrest for nearly two months, will be arraigned as part of widening inquiries into suspected financial mismanagement involving senior parliamentary officials.

Her anticipated court appearance follows the recent arraignment of several Parliament staff accused of diverting public funds between 2023 and May 2026.

Those already charged include Chris Ariko Obore, the director of communications and public affairs, who is accused of embezzling Shs5.253 billion. Prosecutors allege that he accessed and diverted the funds by virtue of his office.

The director of human resource, Daniel Adilo, faces accusations of embezzling Shs14.609 billion, the largest amount cited in the case. Former executive secretary in the Office of the Speaker, Leonard Okema, is also charged with allegedly diverting Shs3.489 billion.

Rajab Kaaya Ssemalulu, a principal research officer, is accused of embezzling Shs2.170 billion, while Okwi Emmanuel Emuron allegedly diverted Shs1.1 billion. Stella Itute is accused of embezzling Shs75 million.

Vincent Otebata, a capacity development officer, is also facing charges related to the alleged embezzlement of Shs5.253 billion.

Prosecutors say the accused persons collectively caused a financial loss of approximately Shs31.95 billion to Parliament.

The unfolding scandal has drawn sustained criticism, with Parliament increasingly coming under scrutiny over alleged corruption, particularly within the Office of the Speaker.

In the wake of the investigations, security agencies reportedly conducted searches at Among’s residences in Kigo, Nakasero and other locations, seizing several high-end vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, Range Rover and Land Cruisers.

Among has since remained out of the public eye, missing key national events such as the election of a new Speaker, the State of the Nation Address and the presentation of the national budget.

Her appearance in court is expected to provide further clarity on the scope of the investigations and her possible role in the matter.

This is a developing story.

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