KAMPALA — Former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among is battling a serious illness that has left her unable to walk, according to claims made by her longtime political ally and former Kampala Central Member of Parliament Muhammad Nsereko.
Speaking during a live TikTok broadcast that has since spread widely across social media platforms, Nsereko said Among is suffering from severe blood clots in her legs, describing her condition as alarming and calling for authorities to allow her access to urgent medical treatment.
“Rt Hon Anita Annet Among is very sickly. She has a blood clot in her legs, she cannot walk. It is terrible; what I have seen,” Nsereko said.
“The legs are all swollen. She cannot walk. Why not let her go to hospital? I don’t know how long she can live without treatment. What happened to mercy in this world?”
Nsereko, who has maintained close political ties with Among over the years, appeared emotional as he discussed her condition. The former legislator has previously enjoyed Among’s political backing, including during his unsuccessful bid for the position of Deputy Speaker.
His remarks have quickly generated debate online, with supporters and critics of the former Speaker weighing in on her reported health challenges amid her ongoing legal and political troubles.
However, as of Tuesday, there was no official confirmation of Among’s condition from her family, personal representatives, medical personnel, Parliament, or government officials. No medical records or independent verification have been made public.
The claims therefore remain unverified.
Among, who served as Speaker of Parliament during the 11th Parliament, has largely remained out of public view in recent months following a dramatic fall from political prominence.
In May, she stepped aside from seeking re-election as Speaker of the 12th Parliament as multiple state agencies intensified investigations into allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment and money laundering.
The investigations triggered a series of high-profile developments, including searches of properties linked to her, asset seizures and heightened scrutiny of her financial dealings.
Despite leaving the Speakership, Among remains the elected Woman Member of Parliament for Bukedea District.
Reports have also suggested that her movements have been restricted as investigations continue, although authorities have not publicly detailed the exact nature of any such restrictions.
Nsereko’s comments have renewed discussion about the treatment of political figures facing legal troubles, with the former MP drawing comparisons to the situation involving Erias Lukwago, President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), who has also faced periods of detention and legal battles.
The former legislator argued that humanitarian considerations should not be overlooked regardless of a person’s political or legal circumstances.
Medical experts describe deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, most commonly in the legs. Symptoms can include swelling, pain, tenderness and difficulty walking.
If left untreated, the condition can become life-threatening if a clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Treatment typically involves blood-thinning medication and close medical monitoring.
The emergence of reports about Among’s health has sparked mixed reactions across social media, where some users have called for compassion and access to medical care regardless of the allegations she faces.
Others have pointed to the broader political context surrounding her downfall, which followed years of controversy, including sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom and growing domestic scrutiny over her tenure as Speaker.
Notably, Nsereko did not specify when he last saw Among or provide details regarding how he became aware of her reported medical condition.
Until official confirmation is provided by Among, her family, medical professionals or government authorities, the claims surrounding her health remain matters of public allegation rather than established fact.
The developments nevertheless add a new and potentially significant dimension to the unfolding story of one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures, whose fortunes have shifted dramatically over the past year.
You can read about how Anita Among gave Museveni a rope to hang her, and how she reportedly stole to build Museveni’s political base Here and There.
