By Cybernewsug Reporter
President Yoweri Museveni has built a reputation over the decades for elevating loyal allies to powerful positions, only for some of them to later experience dramatic political downfalls. The latest figure facing uncertainty is Anita Annet Among, once considered one of the closest and most influential figures in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Just days after accompanying President Museveni across the country during the recently concluded general elections and witnessing his swearing-in for a seventh elective term, Ms Among found herself at the centre of security investigations. Security operatives reportedly raided her residences as authorities investigated the source of her wealth, at a time when she was lobbying legislators to secure another term as Speaker of Parliament.
For years, Ms Among appeared politically untouchable. She enjoyed direct access to the President and became a key link between State House and influential businesspeople, civil servants, and investors seeking appointments with the Head of State. Museveni frequently attended her events, praised her development initiatives, and publicly acknowledged her loyalty during the election campaigns.
However, political observers say her sudden troubles mirror a long-standing pattern in Museveni’s leadership style, where trusted allies rise to prominence before unexpectedly falling out of favour.
One of the earliest examples was the late Samson Kisekka, who served as Uganda’s vice president between 1991 and 1994. Kisekka was once among Museveni’s strongest mobilisers, especially in Buganda, where he defended government policies and promoted national programmes on Radio Uganda. Museveni later elevated him to the newly created office of vice president.
But in 1994, while returning from an overseas assignment on behalf of the President, Kisekka reportedly discovered at Entebbe Airport that he had been removed from office without prior notice. Years later, he recounted how the humiliation deeply affected him and nearly pushed him to suicide.
A similar political rise and fall was witnessed in the career of Amama Mbabazi. Once regarded as Museveni’s most trusted lieutenant and possible successor, Mbabazi accumulated immense influence within government. He served simultaneously as Defence Minister and Attorney General before later becoming Prime Minister in 2011.
At the peak of his power, many Cabinet ministers were considered loyal to him, fuelling speculation that he was preparing for a political transition. However, tensions emerged within the NRM after debates over succession intensified. In 2014, Museveni loyalists openly endorsed the President as the party’s sole candidate, signalling resistance to any succession ambitions linked to Mbabazi.
Within months, Mbabazi was dismissed as Prime Minister. Security later surrounded his residence, and police disrupted his political consultations when he attempted to challenge Museveni in the presidential race.
Former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura also experienced a similar reversal. During his tenure, Kayihura became one of the most visible and trusted security officials in the country. Museveni frequently praised him as a loyal cadre and attended several events associated with him. Politicians, diplomats, and businessmen reportedly sought Kayihura’s influence to access the President.
But in 2018, Museveni abruptly removed him from office. Kayihura was later arrested on serious charges, while several of his close associates were prosecuted in military courts. The President subsequently criticised the police force under Kayihura’s leadership as having been infiltrated by “weevils.”
Now, as investigations close in on Anita Among, her situation has revived debate about the risks of proximity to power in Uganda’s political system. Analysts argue that in Museveni’s government, loyalty can bring rapid political elevation, but it does not always guarantee lasting protection.
