President Museveni has been shocked by Speaker Among’s wealth hidden in the UK
KAMPALA, UGANDA — Experts have reacted with mixed views to President Museveni’s directive to investigate Speaker Among’s luxury UK properties. While some see it as a positive move, others believe it’s a political maneuver with deeper implications.
Political commentator Ronald Egesa Leonard notes that the directive has exposed the Speaker’s vulnerabilities and potentially saves taxpayer money by preventing her from seeking a second term as Speaker. “At least, we celebrate that one joker/pretender is on a public audition of foolery or wisdom – the choice is as clear as that between night and day,” he says. Egesa also questions the motivations behind the directive, wondering if “while IGG Beti Kamya pretended that she had no entry point to investigate AAA, the Brits have done for her half the work by handing her a rope long enough to allow her pull and hang herself at a time of her convenience.” He further asks, “Will @KagutaMuseveni pretend to do something like in the GAVI saga as part of a negotiation cause on the diplomatic front? Will AAA have the CEC of @NRMOnline backing her for a second term as Speaker? Will the British Shepherds shut up the Speaker’s German Shepherd in much the same way as the British took Tanganyika from the Germans after World War I?”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo, however, cautions against celebrating too early, as the directive’s outcome is uncertain and could take multiple directions. “It’s too early to celebrate President Museveni’s letter. Too early! There are multiple directions it can take,” he warns.
Samson Kasumba, a political analyst, believes President Museveni is aware of the diplomatic nuances behind such letters and will respond accordingly. “Mr. Museveni knows exactly what such letters mean and how to respond to them. Most of those letters are not about the contents but deeper sticky diplomatic issues that are solved in conversations,” he notes.
Freddie Rukudo, on the other hand, views the directive as a “vote of no confidence” in the Speaker and a political move to oust her. “That reeks of throwing someone under the bus and feeding her to the wolves. It’s a vote of ‘no confidence’ in the eyes of the public,” he states.
Hudu Hussein, Masaka City RDC has come out in support of the president’s move, saying it is “protective of our sovereignty as Uganda, protective of the office of the Speaker, and a required response to a sanction on a top national leader.”
Huddu argues that Uganda is a sovereign state and cannot be dictated to by foreign powers. He also points out that the allegations against Among are still unproven and that sanctioning her without a court conviction is arbitrary.
Hussein also notes that owning property is not illegal, and the only offense would be if Among failed to declare her property under the Leadership Code Act, which has not been confirmed by the Inspector General of Government (IGG). He believes that when Among is eventually exonerated, she will have the last laugh, and President Museveni will emerge as the biggest winner.
Other commentators, like Dr. Sarah Bireete, head of the Center for Constitutional Governance, have welcomed the president’s decision, saying it could lead to Among’s downfall if found guilty of false declaration of assets.
The president’s move has sparked a heated debate, with some seeing it as a political maneuver to oust Among, while others believe it is a genuine probe into her alleged misconduct.
Overall, experts agree that the directive has significant political implications, but its outcome remains to be seen.
