Bukedea Residents React to Anita Among Corruption Probe, Call for Presidential Mercy

A somber mood engulfed Bukedea District chambers on Monday as residents, local leaders, and political supporters reacted to ongoing corruption and money laundering investigations involving former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.

Groups of residents were seen in emotional and low-toned discussions, with many expressing shock, disappointment, and concern over the developments surrounding one of Teso’s most prominent political figures.

Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected district leaders in Bukedea, several local leaders appealed to President Museveni to pardon Anita Among, describing her as a strong mobiliser for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and a key supporter of community development initiatives.

Osiru Martin, the Bukedea District Youth Councillor, said residents were deeply affected by the unfolding investigations.

“We know every person has weaknesses, but we appeal to the President to forgive Mama Anita. The people of Bukedea are not happy. She has helped many people and supported government programmes,” he said.

Several local leaders credited Among for her role in mobilising support for the NRM during recent elections, saying her grassroots campaigns strengthened the party’s performance in the Teso sub-region.Another leader argued that her contributions to the ruling party should not be overlooked.

“She moved district to district mobilising support for the President and NRM candidates. We are asking government to give her another chance,” he said.

Several local leaders credited Among for her role in mobilising support for the NRM during recent elections, saying her grassroots campaigns strengthened the party’s performance in the Teso sub-region.Another leader argued that her contributions to the ruling party should not be overlooked.

“She moved district to district mobilising support for the President and NRM candidates. We are asking government to give her another chance,” he said.

Others described the situation as painful for residents who view her as a benefactor and political patron, saying many households had benefited from opportunities linked to her influence.

“People are shedding tears because they feel abandoned. Many families depended on jobs and opportunities she helped them secure,” one leader noted.

However, reactions across Teso remained divided, with some leaders calling for a firm and impartial fight against corruption, warning against interference.

In Soroti City, opinions were also split, with some residents expressing indifference while others criticised what they described as selective enforcement of anti-corruption efforts. Political analyst Benson Ekue said Uganda’s anti-corruption campaigns have historically struggled due to political interference and negotiated settlements.

“For me, I am not excited that the fight against corruption has begun because we have seen similar cases before where investigations against powerful individuals eventually faded away,”

Ekue said.He cited past corruption-related cases involving senior officials, arguing that they failed to lead to sustained prosecutions. Ekue also questioned the timing and public nature of the investigations, suggesting possible political undertones linked to recent parliamentary leadership contests.

Despite the criticism, some leaders maintained that institutions responsible for investigating corruption should be allowed to operate independently and without interference.

The investigations into Anita Among continue as political tensions rise across the Teso sub-region, with supporters calling for leniency and critics pushing for a wider, more consistent crackdown on corruption.