The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly defended the recent security operations targeting properties linked to outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, describing the move as part of a wider campaign against corruption within government circles.
In a statement shared on his personal X platform, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba said the raids were conducted under an operation code-named “Maliza Ufisadi,” a Swahili phrase translated as “End Corruption.” He explained that the exercise was launched on the orders of President Yoweri Museveni and warned that more suspects would be pursued as investigations continue.
“The security forces under the direction and instructions of the Commander-in-Chief launched Operation Maliza Ufisadi the other day. We shall expand this operation and apprehend all culprits. No one will be spared,” Muhoozi wrote.
The remarks have intensified political debate in Uganda, with many interpreting the operation as the beginning of a broader crackdown on alleged corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office, and money laundering involving senior government officials.
Leaders within the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) quickly rallied behind the operation. Kasambya County MP David Kabanda, who serves as Secretary General of PLU, declared that sweeping changes would follow once investigations are complete.
Kabanda claimed that a restructuring process within Parliament could take place after the operation, adding that recruitment procedures for parliamentary staff would be revisited and some positions re-advertised.
Igara East MP Michael Mawanda, another senior PLU official, also praised the operation and publicly backed Muhoozi’s position.
The statements came as security personnel maintained deployment around Among’s residence on Mackinnon Road in Nakasero, where investigators reportedly spent several hours conducting searches before leaving behind officers attached to the Very Important Persons Protection Unit.
The ongoing investigations are said to have expanded beyond the Speaker’s office, with reports indicating that senior parliamentary officials, including Parliament Director of Communications Chris Obore, have come under scrutiny.
Sources within government also suggest that some individuals linked to the controversial parliamentary service award payments are facing tighter financial monitoring and possible travel restrictions.
The developments mark a sharp political shift for Among, who until recently was viewed as one of the prominent political figures aligned to Muhoozi and the PLU establishment. However, days before the security operation, PLU leaders publicly distanced themselves from her bid to retain the Speakership, a move many analysts viewed as an attempt to shield the group from growing criticism surrounding allegations of excessive spending and unexplained wealth.
Public scrutiny intensified after reports emerged linking Among to the acquisition of a luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle at a time when many Ugandans continue to struggle with unemployment, high living costs, and concerns over public sector corruption.
Government insiders indicate that investigators are examining financial transactions connected to the controversial service awards reportedly worth between 1.4 and 1.7 billion shillings that were allocated to parliamentary commissioners.
The operation has also sparked fresh questions over why other senior parliamentary figures, including Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Clerk to Parliament Adolph Mwesige, have not faced similar public scrutiny despite their involvement in parliamentary administration.
Amid the growing controversy, former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga was reportedly invited to a meeting at State House Entebbe to provide clarification on Parliament’s financial procedures and operational systems.
The operation has further reignited debate over the role of Gen. Muhoozi in national politics, particularly given his dual position as both Chief of Defence Forces and chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda. Critics argue that the involvement of a serving military officer in matters connected to parliamentary leadership raises concerns about the relationship between state security structures and political influence.
Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde, who is currently in exile, accused the government of using anti-corruption investigations as a political tool aimed at weakening rival centres of influence.
Ssemakadde argued that the timing of the investigations, coinciding with Among’s efforts to secure another term as Speaker, reflects a broader strategy to consolidate political control while publicly humiliating targeted individuals through highly publicized security operations.
English 