By Aggrey Baba
As former Speaker Nalongo Anita Annet Among leaves office and seemingly gets swept away by a political tide, she leaves behind a divided legacy which is admired by some for her generosity, but widely criticized by others over corruption allegations that have dominated her speakership evening in recent weeks.
During her tenure, Among was often seen as a highly influential Speaker who extended financial support to a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, sports, and community projects, where she donated sacks of money. Her now former office is reported to have an annual donations budget of about UGX 2.4 billion, part of which was used for community support activities across the country.
Among’s record of donations was visible in several public events. In 2024, she contributed about UGX 1 billion towards the construction of a specialised cancer unit at St Francis Hospital Nsambya, one of the biggest single health-related contributions linked to her office. In Buyende District where her husband Hashim Moses Magogo hails, she also supported the construction of a maternity ward at Maliya Foundation Health Care Centre with UGX 50 million, aimed at improving maternal health services in the area.
In sports, she donated UGX 100 million towards the 2024 Uganda Cranes motivational campaigns ahead of crucial international fixtures, including matches against Botswana and Algeria, alongside an additional USD 20,000 to boost team morale.
She also contributed UGX 50 million towards the Kabaka Birthday Run in 2024, supporting the national HIV/AIDS awareness campaign, and another UGX 110 million to Ngariam County Women SACCO in Katakwi District, aimed at empowering women’s economic activities.
Outside institutional donations, she made personal contributions during moments of public mourning and community distress, including when she pledged to support the education of children of deceased public figures, including former Kawempe North MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, where she publicly committed to educating his daughter until completion of her studies. She also extended support to the family of former Kalangala District Woman MP Helen Nakimuli during funeral arrangements, again promising continued educational support for her children.
Her apologists argue that she filled gaps where government support was insufficient, pointing to contributions to church construction projects, health centres, SACCOs, and sports development initiatives across the country.
Among also supported internal NRM political mobilisation activities and several community-driven programmes aligned with the yellow party structures.
However, her tenure has also been overshadowed by allegations of corruption and illicit enrichment, claims that have circulated in political and investigative circles but remain unproven in court.
Critics argue that her financial influence in politics and public donations raises questions about the source and management of funds during her speakership. As she steps back from the speakership, her legacy is likely to remain controversial (partly defined by visible generosity and partly by persistent accusations of wrongdoing.
Despite the criticism, some MPs loyal to her acknowledge that Among’s presence in the August House was strongly felt, especially through her financial interventions in community and political activities.
With a new parliamentary leadership expected, her departure closes a chapter marked by both praise for her philanthropy and continued debate over accountability in public office. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
