UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | President Yoweri Museveni has requested an explanation from Speaker of Parliament Anita Among regarding her alleged ownership of a house in the United Kingdom. This request follows claims that she owns a property contrary to her statements.
In a letter dated May 23, Museveni asked Among to clarify whether she owns or rents a property at Flat 4, Silk House, 7 Waterden Road, London, E20 3AL. The letter, which was made public, was also copied to the Inspector General of Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
“I have got information that is contrary to what you told me, that you, indeed, own a house in London in the form of Flat 4, Silk House, 7 Waterden Road, London, E20 3AL, United Kingdom. Do you own that house or are you renting it?” Museveni wrote.
The President instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs to contact the UK government for details regarding the house. He also informed the Inspector General of Government.
The allegations surfaced following UK sanctions against Among, former Karamoja ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, and several others. The sanctions, part of the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, include a travel ban and asset freeze. Among has denied owning any assets in the UK.
Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs for Parliament, reiterated that Among owns no property in the UK. “Speaker Anita Among owns no property in the UK. We would be glad to see the land title of the alleged property. The lies have an expiry date. President Museveni is an evidence-based decision maker not driven by emotions and will demand evidence,” he posted on his social media handle.
Among also accused the UK of forging evidence regarding the property. “Since the UK government claims I own property, it should be prudent of them to state which property I own as Anita Annet Among. Forgery should be the least the world can expect from them. I am sure this is the answer my President, our government, and myself want from them. Nothing else. The alleged house plot, Flat 4, Silk House, 7 Waterden Road, London, E20 3AL, United Kingdom, which they informed the President is owned by myself, surely has an owner who is registered in their own system (the UK Government), and this owner, as per their own record, is not Anita Among,” she posted.
On April 30, the UK government invoked the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime against Among and the former Karamoja ministers due to their involvement in the iron sheets theft scandal. The sanctions targeted 42 other individuals from various countries.
The UK’s Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation stated, “Specifically, Among, whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption.”
Among has described the sanctions as politically motivated, linked to her stance on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality law. She vowed not to back down.
President Museveni’s letter to Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo, dated May 11, instructed engagement with UK authorities on the matter. Reports indicate ongoing discussions between the two governments.
Speaker Among’s Official Response
Anita Among addressed Ugandans regarding the allegations of property ownership in the UK. In her statement, she highlighted the principle of natural justice that requires proof from those who allege.
“Fellow Ugandans, while I had chosen not to respond to the pieces of malicious content and schemes thrown at me by various actors from within and outside our country, I wish now to comment briefly on the issue of my alleged ownership of properties in the UK, which is now a subject of diplomatic engagement between our two countries. I am glad that His Excellency the President of Uganda has given attention to this matter and rightfully chosen to seek the truth through formal diplomatic channels,” Among said.
She stressed that the UK government should provide evidence of her ownership of the property.
“Indeed, like the known principle of natural justice recognised in most jurisdictions of the Commonwealth (including Britain), the one who alleges must prove. Since the UK government claims I own property, it should be prudent of them to state which property I own as Anita Annet Among.”
Among questioned the motives behind the allegations, linking them to her opposition to homosexuality.
“The alleged house plot, Flat 4, Silk House, 7 Waterden Road, London, E20 3AL, United Kingdom, which they informed the President is owned by myself, surely has an owner who is registered in their system (the UK Government), and this owner, as per their record, is not Anita Among. Fellow Ugandans, while this matter is exciting to some because of our internal political contradictions and intrigue, I insist and wish to alert all, soundly, that the issue is not the alleged corruption or ownership in the UK. The attempts to forge and claim that I own property when their records show the contrary tell it all. The real crux of the matter is about targeting Anita Among for being vocal against homosexuality. The rest is a cover-up. The truth will set me free. (John 8:32),” she concluded.
In Uganda, the issue of owning a house abroad, especially among high-ranking officials, often attracts scrutiny. Allegations of corruption and asset concealment are common, and officials are expected to declare their assets transparently.
The iron sheets theft scandal in Karamoja involved the alleged misappropriation of materials meant for vulnerable communities. The scandal led to public outcry and government investigations, culminating in the UK sanctions against those implicated.
The ongoing diplomatic engagement between Uganda and the UK regarding Among’s alleged property ownership reflects the complexity of international legal and diplomatic processes. The Foreign Affairs Ministry, under Minister Jeje Odongo, is tasked with addressing the allegations with UK authorities.
Ugandan authorities are expected to follow legal protocols to verify property ownership claims. This includes contacting UK property registries and examining records to confirm or refute the allegations.
The Inspector General of Government’s involvement signifies a broader investigation into potential corruption and asset concealment. The office is responsible for enforcing Uganda’s anti-corruption laws and ensuring public officials adhere to ethical standards.
President Yoweri Museveni emphasised the need for clarity and evidence regarding the allegations. “I have got information that is contrary to what you told me, that you, indeed, own a house in London in the form of Flat 4, Silk House, 7 Waterden Road, London, E20 3AL, United Kingdom. Do you own that house or are you renting it?”
Chris Obore, Director of Communication and Public Affairs for Parliament, supported Among’s stance, stating, “Speaker Anita Among owns no property in the UK. We would be glad to see the land title of the alleged property. The lies have an expiry date. President Museveni is an evidence-based decision maker not driven by emotions and will demand evidence.”
Anita Among responded robustly to the allegations, highlighting the need for proof.
“Since the UK government claims I own property, it should be prudent of them to state which property I own as Anita Annet Among. Forgery should be the least the world can expect from them. I am sure this is the answer my President, our government, and myself want from them. Nothing else.”
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