A delegation of senior leaders from the Teso Sub-region has appealed to Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho Rtd, popularly known as Salim Saleh, to intervene and ensure that former Speaker Anita Among is treated fairly as investigations surrounding her continue.
The delegation, led by Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) leaders, clan elders, and Members of Parliament under the Teso Parliamentary Group (TPG), visited Gen. Saleh at his residence to seek his guidance and support.
Among those present were TPG Vice Chairperson Emmanuel Omoding, Amuria District Woman MP Margret Etilu, Amuria County MP Samuel Edyau, Kibale County MP Constantine Okwii, and Bukedea County MP David Okweere Beecham.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Papa Emorimor called for calm, dialogue and reconciliation, saying the matter should be handled in a way that promotes unity while allowing the law to take its course.
Bukedea County MP David Okweere Beecham made an emotional appeal, asking Gen. Saleh to support efforts that would allow Anita Among access to her frozen bank accounts so she can meet her daily family expenses. He also requested that she be allowed to travel to Bukedea District to collect food from her farm and continue supporting her household.
The MP further appealed for Among to be allowed to attend parliamentary plenary sittings, arguing that as an elected leader she has a constitutional responsibility to represent the people of Bukedea. He noted that continued absence from Parliament could jeopardize her position and deny thousands of constituents representation.
Responding to the delegation, Gen. Saleh assured them that the concerns they had raised were already receiving attention at the highest levels of government.
He urged the people of Teso not to politicize or tribalize the matter, emphasizing that patience and respect for legal processes were essential.
Gen. Saleh described the issues surrounding Anita Among as broader than one individual, saying they reflected challenges within the leadership of the 11th Parliament.
He revealed that he had maintained close contact with Anita Among throughout her political journey, saying she regularly visited him for guidance and often brought him gifts as a sign of appreciation. He also described her as a generous leader who never allowed visitors to leave her home empty-handed.
Despite acknowledging her generosity, Gen. Saleh expressed disappointment that, in his view, the leadership of the 11th Parliament failed to fully implement President Yoweri Museveni’s long-term economic transformation agenda.
He said he had spent six years studying what he called “Musevenomics”—President Museveni’s economic philosophy—which focuses on transforming Uganda through the factors of production: land, labour, capital, entrepreneurship and markets.
According to Gen. Saleh, Parliament was expected to play a leading role in driving that vision by passing laws, approving budgets and supporting programmes that strengthen the country’s economy through constitutional reforms, culture, religion and commerce.
He explained that the assignment was initially entrusted to the late former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah together with an 18-member committee that included then Government Chief Whip Thomas Tayebwa. Following Oulanyah’s death, Gen. Saleh said the responsibility was passed on to Anita Among.
However, he argued that instead of concentrating on implementing the President’s economic agenda, Among focused more on persuading opposition politicians to join the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
According to Gen. Saleh, this shifted attention away from programmes that President Museveni has championed for decades, including wealth creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and skilling programmes aimed at improving household incomes.
As the meeting drew to a close, Gen. Saleh appealed to the Teso leaders to remain calm and allow the legal process to continue without interference.
“Give the process time,” he said, adding that emotions surrounding the matter would eventually cool down and justice would take its course.
He also disclosed that the current Speaker of Parliament had recently consulted him for guidance. Gen. Saleh said he encouraged the Speaker to strengthen the fight against corruption by ensuring public officials account for their wealth and that the law is applied equally to everyone.
The meeting ended with prayers for peace, unity and wisdom as government continues consultations on the matter, with the Teso leaders expressing hope that dialogue and the rule of law will ultimately prevail.
