Isaac Ssemakadde, the President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), has accused President Yoweri Museveni of using state institutions to consolidate power, warning that recent actions targeting Anita Annet Among signal a deeper political agenda.
In a strongly worded statement issued on May 16, Ssemakadde said the ongoing investigations into Speaker Among’s conduct are not rooted in genuine accountability.
“Speaker Among is not a saint. But the Executive’s reaction to her second term bid is not about accountability or reform,” he said.
Ssemakadde argued that the timing of the probes—coinciding with Among’s bid to retain the speakership in the 12th Parliament—raises serious concerns.
“By launching corruption probes at the exact moment Speaker Among seeks re-election, the Museveni regime exposes its true aim: entrenching one-man rule, dismantling rival power centres, and recycling patronage networks,” he stated.
He further condemned what he described as excessive and politically motivated enforcement actions, particularly referencing a recent operation at Among’s residence.
“The televised raid on her home further compounds this abuse by weaponizing state power to violate privacy and stage public humiliation in lieu of due process,” Ssemakadde said.
While acknowledging public criticism directed at the Speaker, Ssemakadde urged Ugandans not to let personal or partisan sentiments cloud their judgment.
“Ugandans must rise above personal hatred and partisan animosity towards Speaker Among, and firmly reject the dangerous normalization of one-man rule,” he said.
He warned that the broader implications of such actions could undermine democratic governance.
“If we truly desire a constitutional republic governed by law rather than one man’s whims, we cannot stay silent as the fight against corruption is weaponized to manipulate public anger for political ends,” he added.
Calling for civic vigilance, Ssemakadde emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard institutional independence.
“We must organize, speak out boldly, and act decisively to restore separation of powers, parliamentary independence, and the rule of law before personal rule becomes permanently entrenched. The time for concerted citizen action is now,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the race for Speaker of Parliament, with growing scrutiny on Among’s tenure and increasing involvement from the executive arm of government.
On May 16, security agencies raided Anita Among’s home, and reportedly arrested Chris Obore, parliament’s spokesperson. (See Details Here and There).
On the same day, NRM national chairman and Uganda’s newly sworn in president Museveni endorsed Defence Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth to replace Anita Among as speaker. (See Details Here).
