KAMPALA — A delegation of senior cultural leaders and elders from the Teso sub-region visited former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among at her residence in Nakasero on Sunday, offering a message of support as she faces intensifying scrutiny from security agencies over her wealth and assets.
The delegation was led by His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor III, Paul Sande Emolot Etomeileng, alongside officials from the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) and several respected clan elders from across the region.
The visit marked one of the first public appearances of Among in recent weeks, following reports that she has largely remained out of the public eye since investigations into her financial dealings intensified. During the meeting, Among appeared in a long black dress and was accompanied by her husband, Moses Magogo, the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
Speaking after the visit, delegation members described the former Speaker as a daughter of Teso who deserves support during what they termed a challenging period.
"We came as elders and cultural leaders to check on one of our own," one elder said. "In African culture, when a member of the family is facing difficulties, you do not abandon them. You stand with them and offer guidance, prayers and encouragement."
The leaders emphasized that their visit was not intended to interfere with ongoing investigations but rather to offer moral encouragement and solidarity.
"This was a pastoral and cultural visit. We respect the work of government institutions and believe they should be allowed to perform their duties independently. Our role was simply to express concern and solidarity," another delegation member explained.
The cultural leaders also commended Among for her contributions to the development of Teso, citing various initiatives she has supported in the region over the years. They noted that many communities in Teso continue to benefit from projects and interventions associated with her leadership.
According to officials who attended the meeting, discussions focused on unity, resilience, and the need for leaders to remain steadfast in the face of public criticism and political challenges. The delegation reportedly prayed with Among and her family and encouraged her to remain calm as the legal and investigative processes take their course.
The visit comes at a time when investigations into the former Speaker's wealth have generated intense public debate across the country. Security agencies are reportedly examining various aspects of her financial records and assets, although no formal charges have been announced.
Political observers say the high-profile nature of the investigations has attracted significant attention due to Among's prominence in national politics and her influence both within Parliament and in her home region of Teso.
Supporters of the former Speaker have argued that she should be accorded the presumption of innocence until investigations are concluded, while critics have called for transparency and accountability in the management of public office.
The cultural leaders, however, stressed that their intervention should not be interpreted as a judgment on the ongoing investigations.
"We believe in the principles of justice and due process," the delegation member added. "Our visit was guided by cultural values that encourage communities to stand with their members during difficult moments."
Photos from the meeting, which have since circulated widely on social media, showed the elders seated with Among and her family in a cordial atmosphere.
As investigations continue, the visit is likely to reinforce Among's support base in Teso, where many residents still regard her as one of the region's most influential political figures.
For now, the former Speaker remains under public scrutiny, but Sunday's visit demonstrated that she continues to enjoy significant backing from sections of the cultural leadership in her home region.
