Anita Among Makes First Public Appearance in 83 Days Through Virtual Parliament Session

Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among on Tuesday made her first public appearance in 83 days, joining a parliamentary plenary session virtually through Zoom.

The session was chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa. Although Ms Among did not take part in the debate, her virtual attendance reduces the possibility of her losing her Bukedea District Woman Representative seat due to absenteeism.

Under Article 83(1)(d) of the Constitution and the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure, a legislator who misses 15 consecutive sittings without written permission from the Speaker risks losing their parliamentary seat. The Clerk to Parliament, Mr Adolf Mwesige, recently highlighted this requirement during the orientation of the 12th Parliament, saying members must obtain prior written approval or provide a satisfactory explanation to the relevant parliamentary committee for any absence.

By August 4, the 12th Parliament had held 12 sittings, including key events such as the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the State of the Nation Address and committee appointments, all of which Ms Among had missed.

Video footage and screenshots from Tuesday’s session showed Ms Among appearing alongside other legislators. Details in the background, including curtains near windows, suggested she joined the sitting from a private residence or another enclosed location.

Her appearance comes amid reports that she has been under house arrest since May 16, following a security operation at her Nakasero residence. Ms Among, who headed the 11th Parliament, became the subject of joint security and Inspectorate of Government (IGG) investigations shortly after taking oath for the new term over allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment.

The investigations, authorised by President Yoweri Museveni and carried out by security agencies led by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, began with the Nakasero raid and were followed by searches at her Munyonyo residence and parliamentary office.

Security agencies also seized several of her luxury vehicles, including a newly acquired Shs34 billion Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Although the IGG completed its investigations and submitted findings to the President, Ms Among has not been charged in court.

Meanwhile, seven parliamentary staff members accused of involvement in related schemes were arrested, charged before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court with self-enrichment and causing financial loss, and later interdicted.

They include Chris Obore, Director of Communications and Public Affairs; Daniel Adilo, Director of Human Resources; Rajab Kaaya Semalulu, Principal Research Officer; Okwi Emmanuel Emuron, Principal Protocol Officer; Vincent Otebata, Capacity Development Officer; Leonard Okema, Executive Secretary in the Office of the Speaker; and Stella Itute from the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Parliamentary officials have clarified that virtual attendance is allowed under House regulations. Acting Director of Communications and Public Affairs Ms Grace Gidudu said the Rules of Procedure permit legislators to attend sittings remotely.

She explained that a Zoom link is created and shared, allowing MPs who wish to participate virtually to do so. Virtual proceedings were formally introduced during the ninth Parliament following the COVID-19 pandemic, after amendments were made under the direction of then-Speaker Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga to allow Parliament to conduct business through digital platforms.

However, Rule 250(4) of the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure states that virtual participation requires official authorisation, providing that attendance outside the Chamber through a digital platform only takes effect after a proclamation or approval by the Speaker.

It remains unclear whether Ms Among received formal clearance from the Speaker to attend Tuesday’s session virtually. When contacted, Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige declined to comment on the matter.