Gen. Salim Saleh, the younger brother of President Yoweri Museveni, has reportedly distanced himself from former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, saying he cannot help her escape the challenges she is currently facing.
According to reports, a group of leaders from the Teso sub-region recently met Gen. Salim Saleh at his residence in Kapeeka, Nakaseke District, where they reportedly appealed for support for Anita Among, who comes from the region.
The delegation was said to include religious leaders, cultural leaders, Members of Parliament, and other government officials who wanted Gen. Saleh to use his influence to help Anita Among during what has become a difficult period for her.
However, Gen. Saleh reportedly told the leaders that the situation surrounding Anita Among was beyond his control. He explained that there was little he could do to change the circumstances she is currently facing.
The former Speaker has been under pressure following allegations of corruption and other political controversies. The matters surrounding her have attracted public attention both inside and outside Uganda.
Gen. Saleh reportedly acknowledged that Anita Among had been his close friend and that she had always treated him well whenever she visited him. He is said to have described her as a generous person who often shared with those around her.
Despite their friendship, Gen. Saleh reportedly said that he was not in a position to protect her from the current challenges. He explained that some people who feel affected by her actions remain unhappy and that it may take time for them to forgive.
He reportedly told the leaders that Anita Among’s problems were not only connected to the corruption allegations but also involved political disagreements that had created anger among some powerful individuals.
According to the reports, Gen. Saleh said one of the issues that caused concern was Anita Among’s involvement in building political support among opposition Members of Parliament through financial influence.
He reportedly explained that some of the political battles in Parliament had already been handled before Anita Among became Speaker, and that her approach created disagreements with some leaders within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Gen. Saleh also reportedly discussed the leadership style of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, saying that President Museveni had given him guidance on how Parliament should focus on supporting government development programs.
These programs included initiatives such as Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga, and the Parish Development Model, which were introduced to support economic development and improve livelihoods.
According to the reports, Gen. Saleh said Anita Among was expected to continue focusing on these priorities after becoming Speaker but instead concentrated more on strengthening political relationships through financial support to some lawmakers.
He reportedly said that this decision created disappointment among some people who believed Parliament should focus more on supporting government policies and national development goals.
The reports indicate that Gen. Saleh told the Teso leaders that although some of these political issues may not form part of the corruption case against Anita Among, they contributed to the loss of trust among certain individuals.
He reportedly advised Anita Among’s supporters to focus on prayer and ensure that she receives proper legal representation as she faces the accusations against her.
Gen. Saleh is also reported to have said that even President Museveni may not be able to intervene in the matter because the legal process must be allowed to take its course.
He reportedly added that people in positions of influence can also face consequences when they make mistakes, saying that past service or close connections do not always prevent accountability.
The comments attributed to Gen. Saleh have sparked discussions about political loyalty, accountability, and the challenges faced by leaders when they become involved in controversy.
Anita Among became Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah. She had previously served as Deputy Speaker before taking over the position.
Her supporters have continued to stand by her, saying that she deserves fairness and the opportunity to defend herself against the allegations made against her.
As the situation continues to develop, many Ugandans are closely watching how the legal and political issues surrounding Anita Among will unfold and what impact they may have on her future in public service.
