Army commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba led a high-profile anti-corruption operation that forced former speaker Anita Annet Among from the running and resulted in the public seizure of her Rolls‑Royce. Rights groups point to sharp increases in the speaker's office budget and high reported allowances under Among's tenure, while critics say the military — not civilian agencies — carried out the raids. Analysts view the move as both a signal of growing military influence and a possible bid to boost Muhoozi's political standing.
Muhoozi's Anti-Corruption Sweep Topples Parliament Speaker — Rolls-Royce Seized in High-Profile Raid
Muhoozi Kainerugaba stands behind his father, President Yoweri Museveni, during last week's inauguration (BADRU KATUMBA)(BADRU KATUMBA/AFP/AFP)
Army commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, has led a widely publicised anti-corruption operation that culminated in the seizure of a Rolls‑Royce allegedly linked to former parliamentary speaker Anita Annet Among. The dramatic move, including the public parading of the luxury car, has intensified debate about the growing role of the military in Uganda's politics and the concentration of power around the president's family.
What Happened
Muhoozi announced the operation on X, saying he had been authorised by his father 'to arrest anybody in Uganda except the President and First Lady.' He wrote: 'We captured the Rolls‑Royce. It's under our control. We shall auction it and recover the funds of the state.' The post was widely praised by many of his followers.
Troops searched several of Among's homes in Kampala and raided her parliamentary office as part of Operation Maliza Ufisadi ("End Corruption" in Swahili). Among has not been formally arrested but announced she would not seek re-election as speaker, saying the decision followed 'wide consultations and deep introspection.' AFP was unable to reach her for comment.
Allegations And Context
Among, who became speaker in March 2022, has long faced allegations of corruption and was previously sanctioned by both the UK and the United States. Rights group Agora highlighted a marked rise in the speaker's office budget during her tenure, reporting an increase from 4 billion to 19 billion Ugandan shillings per year (about $1.1m to $5m), and citing unusually high allowances reported at around $4,500 per day. In 2023 she was accused of diverting corrugated iron sheets intended for low-cost housing, which were later returned.
Agora founder Agather Atuhaire: 'Her corruption became so massive that it threatened the dynasty... They realised if she becomes speaker a second time, she will become too powerful. They wanted to clip her wings.'
Reactions And Implications
The opposition and some civil-society voices welcomed action against Among but urged broader accountability. 'We have always said Among is corrupt and a thief,' said Joel Ssenyonyi of the National Unity Platform, while noting many others remain uninvestigated.
Critics have expressed concern that the operation was led by the military rather than civilian anti-corruption authorities. 'Military influence is increasingly shaping political decisions and power relations in the country,' said Timothy Chemonges of the Center for Policy Analysis. Analysts argue the high-profile crackdown may also serve to elevate Muhoozi's public standing and consolidate his influence inside the ruling party.
What To Watch
Observers will be watching whether the probe expands beyond Among and whether civilian institutions take a lead role in future anti-corruption work. The episode highlights broader questions about institutional independence, transparency, and the balance of power in Uganda as the country prepares for its next parliamentary term.
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