Ofwono Opondo, the former government spokesperson and current Member of Parliament for Older Persons, has publicly disclosed that he issued a private warning to Anita Annet Among regarding the political fallout of her public displays of wealth. Opondo stated that he cautioned the former Speaker of Parliament during a visit to her home district of Bukedea, characterizing her lifestyle as a source of significant public offense.
“I told her that her show of wealth was offensive to the conscience of many people,” Opondo said during an appearance on Capital FM’s The Capital Gang. He further noted that while President Yoweri Museveni has historically demonstrated a capacity to forgive officials who acknowledge errors and commit to reform, the President’s tolerance often wanes when leaders persist in controversial behaviors despite private counsel.
Opondo’s remarks arrive during a period of intense scrutiny regarding Among’s financial affairs. Security agencies have reportedly conducted operations at various properties associated with the former Speaker, including locations in Nakasero, Kigo, and Bukedea. These actions have resulted in the reported recovery of cash, documentation, and luxury vehicles, fueling ongoing allegations of illicit enrichment and corruption.
The controversy has coincided with a notable shift in Among’s political standing. She has officially withdrawn from the race for the speakership of the 12th Parliament, a move that political observers interpret as a response to mounting pressure from within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. While supporters of the former Speaker have maintained that her assets are the result of legitimate private business interests—specifically citing her involvement in the Bukedea Comprehensive School—critics argue that her expenditures remain disproportionate to her official government earnings.
Opondo, who has maintained a public demeanor of cordiality toward Among, emphasized that the situation highlights a growing unease within party ranks regarding the optics of wealth accumulation during a time of widespread economic hardship for the Ugandan public. His comments align with observations from political analysts, who suggest that the administration’s internal dynamics often involve the systematic isolation of senior figures who become perceived as political liabilities due to perceptions of arrogance or unchecked greed.
As state investigators continue to broaden their inquiry into parliamentary financial records and expenditures, the scrutiny surrounding the former Speaker remains active. The ongoing investigation into these financial dealings is expected to continue alongside wider efforts by regulatory bodies to audit the assets of high-ranking public officials.
