By Sir Dean Lubowa Saava
Deep State Desk
KAMPALA – Uganda’s anti-corruption investigations have taken a dramatic turn, with former Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among now at the centre of a widening money laundering and graft scandal that is pulling in prominent opposition figures, a powerful city businessman, and even raising questions about foreign-funded political alliances.
The latest twist came last week when former Kira Municipality MP and People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) Secretary General Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda made an emergency dash to Saudi Arabia after receiving intelligence that he was a target in the crackdown. Ssemujju confirmed via his X (formerly Twitter) account that news of the reported abduction of his party president, former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, reached him while he was already airborne.
Highly placed sources told TV10GanoMazima that security agencies intended to link him either to the long-running treason case involving Dr Kizza Besigye or directly to Among’s financial dealings. Luxury Seizures and House Arrest Among was placed under house arrest following coordinated raids on her properties in Nakasero, Kigo, Bukedea and elsewhere.
Security operatives recovered a newly acquired Rolls-Royce, several other luxury vehicles, jewellery, large sums of cash, and expensive clothing. She has been warned that any statements made during questioning could be used in court as criminal proceedings formally begin. Despite facing sanctions from the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and the European Union over alleged corruption and money laundering, Among reportedly sustained her lavish lifestyle through funds held in offshore bank accounts.
These accounts, held in the names of associates in other jurisdictions, allegedly helped shield her wealth from scrutiny. Husband’s Role and the “City Businessman”Investigators are examining claims that Among routed public funds through her office and parked proceeds in offshore accounts, with assistance from her husband, the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), who allegedly provided key connections.
Sources close to the probe say Among herself told President Museveni that a prominent city businessman was central to facilitating her luxurious lifestyle. The same businessman, a regular at her parties, was reportedly protected from parliamentary probes into his own alleged illegal activities. Opposition Leaders in the Spotlight Detectives have broadened their net, linking Among’s network to several opposition politicians.
Ssemujju is accused of benefiting from Among’s patronage, including facilitation of frequent official foreign trips. A major red flag for investigators is the dramatic moment during the first PFF Delegates Conference when the cash-strapped party suddenly received Shs1.5 billion delivered by Ssemujju in sacks.
Party president Lukwago reportedly confronted him over the source of the funds, citing similar “strange money” controversies that had prompted their exit from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Ssemujju reportedly asked colleagues to accept the money first and promised an explanation later. Party elders advised letting the matter rest for the sake of unity.
Investigators now allege the funds came from Among and are probing claims that she was strategically funding multiple opposition parties to build alliances aimed at capturing state power.
Sources say Ssemujju’s rapid accumulation of land, commercial buildings, and schools locally and abroad has also come under scrutiny. Before fleeing, Ssemujju reportedly told this outlet he would not sacrifice his life for Uganda’s politics and would choose exile if his safety was threatened.
Democratic Party Aspirant Also Probed Bukoto Central MP Richard Ssebamala is another figure now under the microscope. He is accused of receiving funds from Among to finance his bid for the Democratic Party presidency against Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao.
Ssebamala is also alleged to have benefited from foreign trips linked to Among’s interests. Ssebamala owns properties in the United States, Kenya, Zambia and elsewhere. Detectives want to establish whether any of the money used to acquire these assets originated from public funds.
Efforts to reach Ssebamala for comment were unsuccessful, but one of his political assistants insisted his principal’s wealth stems from strong global connections, including friendship with Kenyan President Dr William Ruto, who invited him to his swearing-in ceremony.
As the investigations deepen, Ugandans are watching closely to see how far up the political ladder — and across the opposition divide — this web of alleged corruption and offshore dealings will reach.
The case has already exposed uncomfortable questions about money in politics, foreign influence, and the blurred lines between ruling and opposition figures. More updates to follow as the probe continues.
