By Our Reporter 

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered the release of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among from house arrest, Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, Gen. Muhoozi said the President had instructed him to ensure that Among, who is also the Bukedea Woman Member of Parliament, is released from the restrictions on her movement.

“Mzee has also instructed me to release AAA from house arrest. We shall do that as well,” Gen. Muhoozi said, referring to Among by her initials.

The development marks a significant change in Among’s circumstances after months of reported restrictions on her movement and security operations at some of her residences, including those in Nakasero, Kigo and Bukedea.

Gen. Muhoozi also provided clarification on whether criminal proceedings against Among would continue.

Responding to an X user who asked, “Is the criminal prosecution continuing?”, Gen. Muhoozi replied:

“No. We shall not prosecute AAA. She made mistakes but Mzee has decided to forgive her.”

The statement indicates that, according to Gen. Muhoozi, the President has opted not to pursue criminal prosecution against Among.

Among had stepped aside from the race for Speaker of the 12th Parliament amid investigations surrounding allegations relating to corruption, wealth declaration and financial management at Parliament. She was later replaced as Speaker by Jacob Oboth Oboth.

Among’s situation had attracted concern from political, cultural and religious leaders, particularly in the Teso sub-region, who had appealed to the government for her restrictions to be eased.

Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, the Paramount Chief of the Iteso Cultural Union, led delegations to senior government officials, including Gen. Salim Saleh, seeking dialogue over Among’s situation.

During a recent meeting in Kapeeka, the Emorimor reportedly raised concerns about Among’s financial difficulties, particularly following reports that her bank accounts had been frozen.

Several Teso legislators also said they had occasionally mobilised financial assistance to help the former Speaker meet household expenses.

One Teso MP said Among had supported various initiatives in the region and that legislators felt compelled to assist her during the difficult period.

Another legislator said the inability to access her bank accounts had made it difficult for Among to meet basic needs.

The President’s directive is expected to allow Among to resume unrestricted movement after months of reportedly remaining largely at her Nakasero residence.

It could also provide relief to her supporters, particularly political, cultural and religious leaders who had repeatedly called for dialogue over her situation.

However, questions remain over the status of any restrictions that may have been imposed on her bank accounts or other assets.

For now, Gen. Muhoozi’s announcement represents a major development in the controversy surrounding Among, with the President reportedly ordering the end of her house arrest and deciding, according to the CDF, that she will not face criminal prosecution.

The development could pave the way for Among to resume her public and political activities as she continues serving as the Bukedea Woman MP.