The family of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among is reportedly facing difficult financial moments after her bank accounts were allegedly frozen, leaving her unable to access money for some of her daily household needs, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Reports indicate that Members of Parliament from the Teso sub-region have been quietly contributing money through their WhatsApp group to help Among purchase food and support her family during what they describe as a challenging period.
Some legislators from the region, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding the matter, claimed that they had decided to come together and provide financial assistance after Among reportedly lost access to her personal funds.
One MP reportedly said the situation had become difficult for the former Speaker, adding that lawmakers from Teso felt they had a responsibility to support someone who had previously assisted many people from the region.
“Among always supported our initiatives and we cannot abandon her during this difficult time,” one of the lawmakers reportedly said, explaining why they had chosen to contribute towards her basic needs.
Another legislator claimed that the fundraising arrangement was being handled informally through the Teso Parliamentary Group WhatsApp platform, where members contribute whenever assistance is required.
The MP alleged that Among’s biggest challenge at the moment was accessing money for household expenses, saying that although she has family members, relatives and visitors around her, meeting daily needs had become difficult.
“She receives guests, relatives and has a family to feed. It is really a tough moment for her,” the lawmaker reportedly stated.
Sources further claimed that some food supplies have occasionally been transported from Among’s home district of Bukedea to her residence in Kampala as additional support during this period.
The reported financial difficulties are said to have been worsened by restrictions allegedly placed on bank accounts linked to Among and her husband, Budiope East Member of Parliament Moses Magogo.
The matter reportedly came up during a meeting between the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, and Gen. Salim Saleh at his residence in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District.
During the meeting, the Teso cultural leader is said to have appealed to Gen. Saleh to intervene and help resolve the issue surrounding Among’s frozen accounts.
According to reports, the Emorimor explained that the freezing of the accounts had made life extremely difficult for Among, especially because she needed funds to support her family and continue managing her personal affairs.
The cultural leader reportedly asked Saleh to look into the matter, arguing that Among needed assistance during a period when she was facing multiple challenges.
In response, Gen. Salim Saleh reportedly told the delegation that he would consult and examine the issue, while emphasizing that he was not a politician who makes empty promises.
“You know I am not a politician. I don’t tell lies like your politicians. That’s why I failed in politics. But I will work on that issue,” Saleh was quoted as saying.
Anita Among has been facing investigations following searches conducted by security agencies at her residences in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea as part of a wider probe into the management of Parliament finances.
Several senior parliamentary officials have since appeared before courts over allegations including embezzlement, money laundering and causing financial loss, although the accused persons have denied wrongdoing.
The investigations have attracted significant public attention, with supporters and critics closely following developments surrounding the former Speaker.
While her supporters argue that she deserves support during difficult times, critics maintain that accountability processes should be allowed to proceed independently without political interference.
The reported contributions by Teso MPs have also sparked debate about the loyalty of political allies during moments of crisis, with some questioning whether such support reflects personal friendship or political solidarity.
For now, the allegations surrounding Among’s financial situation remain a subject of public discussion as investigations continue and her political future remains uncertain.
