The corruption storm engulfing former Speaker Anita Annet Among and Parliament Communications Director Chris Ariko Obore took another dramatic twist on Monday when the cultural leader of Teso, His Highness Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot (Papa Teso III), led a high-profile delegation to the offices of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
The delegation, which included political and cultural leaders from the Teso sub-region, met PLU Secretary General Twalla Fadil in what many observers have interpreted as a desperate attempt to seek political support for the embattled leaders.
The visit comes at a time when Obore is on remand at Luzira Prison after being charged with offences related to the alleged misappropriation of public funds, while former Speaker Anita Among is facing investigations over the same scandal.
Both Among and Obore hail from Bukedea District in Teso, making the unfolding corruption case a matter that has attracted significant concern among leaders from the region.According to a statement released by the PLU Secretariat after the meeting, the discussions focused on unity and cooperation.
“This afternoon, a delegation of leaders from Teso led by His Highness Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, Emorimor (Papa Teso III), paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Twalla Fadil, General Secretary of PLU. The leaders engaged in productive discussions on unity and collaboration,” the statement read. However, political observers believe the timing of the visit was anything but ordinary.
A SECOND APPEAL
The meeting at the PLU offices follows another public appeal made only days earlier when Emorimor and several Members of Parliament from Teso held a press conference calling upon President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba to show mercy to Among and Obore.
The leaders urged the country’s top leadership to consider forgiveness as investigations and court proceedings continue.The latest visit has further fuelled speculation that influential figures from Teso are hoping political intervention could ease the legal troubles facing the two prominent leaders.
TRADITIONAL LEADER UNDER SCRUTINY
The Emorimor’s decision to personally lead the delegation has sparked debate among cultural commentators.Some traditional experts argue that cultural institutions should remain above partisan political battles and that monarchs should avoid appearing to plead on behalf of politicians facing criminal charges.
One Buganda traditionalist criticized the move, saying: “Kings do not beg. They guide, advise and command respect. When a traditional leader appears to plead in political matters, it risks undermining the dignity of the institution.”The remarks reflect a growing debate over the role of cultural leaders in Uganda’s increasingly heated political environment.
COMPARISONS WITH MUHOOZI’S COMMENTS
The controversy has also revived discussion about recent remarks by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba concerning jailed lawyer Erias Lukwago.
In a post on X, Muhoozi wrote: “I respect the Kabaka so much. Only him can save Lukwago if he asks me to do so.”The statement drew criticism from some Buganda commentators who argued that the Kabaka of Buganda should never be placed in a position where he appears to seek favours from political leaders.
Many insisted that the Kabaka’s office stands above partisan politics and should not be associated with appeals for mercy.
Against that backdrop, critics have contrasted the Emorimor’s direct engagement with political actors over the legal troubles facing two of his subjects.
CORRUPTION CASE CONTINUES
Meanwhile, the legal process continues. Chris Obore remains on remand at Luzira Prison after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges linked to the alleged embezzlement and mismanagement of public funds.
Former Speaker Anita Among has also been linked to investigations arising from the same alleged financial scandal.Both have consistently maintained their innocence and are entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.
Investigators are continuing inquiries into the alleged misuse of public resources at Parliament.
SOCIAL MEDIA DIVIDED
The Emorimor’s visit quickly ignited debate on social media, with many Ugandans expressing sharply differing opinions.
One user, identified as Yada001, wrote:”We know they’re trying to convince PLU chairman Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Hon. Twalla Fadil to save AAA, but in this new government term let everyone be patriotic rather than stealing taxpayers’ money. Let the law take its course.”
Another user, Kyobe John, questioned the constitutional role of cultural leaders.”The action of traditional leaders participating in partisan politics is unconstitutional,” he posted.
A third commentator, Gen. Activist, argued that political alliances offer little protection when legal problems arise.”If you aren’t family, you can easily be abandoned,” the user wrote.
WAITING FOR THE NEXT MOVE
Whether the Emorimor’s intervention will influence political leaders remains uncertain.Neither President Museveni, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba nor PLU Secretary General Twalla Fadil publicly indicated that the meeting was intended to discuss the ongoing criminal cases.
For now, the official position remains that the delegation paid a courtesy visit centred on unity and collaboration.Away from the political optics, however, one thing is clear: the corruption investigations have shaken one of Uganda’s most influential political regions, with cultural, political and community leaders now rallying behind two of Teso’s most prominent figures as the legal process unfolds.
As the court cases progress, attention will remain fixed on whether the appeals for political goodwill will have any impact—or whether the fate of Among and Obore will ultimately be decided solely in the courtroom.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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