High court orders probe into money laundering claims against Speaker Anita Among
Justice Lawrence Gidudu, head of the High Court Anti-Corruption Division, instructed the Chief Magistrate to expedite the probe and deliver findings within three months.
Uganda’s High Court has directed an investigation into money laundering allegations against Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Justice Lawrence Gidudu, head of the High Court Anti-Corruption Division, instructed the Chief Magistrate to expedite the probe and deliver findings within three months.
The allegations focus on claims that Ms. Among illegally acquired properties valued in millions of dollars between 2016 and 2023. The properties under scrutiny include:
– A luxury residence in Kampala’s Nakasero district
– A house in Ministers’ Village, Ntinda
– A 3-star hotel in Kyaddondo
– A rural residence in Bukedea district
– Several luxury vehicles
The complaint was filed by lawyer Male Mabirizi, who accuses Ms. Among of defrauding taxpayers. Initially, the Chief Magistrate dismissed the case, citing lack of jurisdiction and insufficient evidence.
However, Justice Gidudu ruled that the Chief Magistrate had made a procedural error and wrongly placed the burden of proof on Mr. Mabirizi.
“The magistrate must properly inquire into the complaint, which may involve consulting local authorities or directing police investigations,” Justice Gidudu clarified.
While the Anti-Money Laundering Act gives the High Court jurisdiction, it requires the Chief Magistrate to process the complaint first.
Ms. Among has not publicly addressed the allegations.
