The disappearance of former Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among from her familiar social media identity has triggered fresh controversy, with some of her followers protesting what they perceive as a takeover of the digital platform they associated with her.
Among’s X account, formerly known as @AnitahAmong, appeared to have changed its handle to @GlobalAfricaHQ, with her previous posts no longer visible. The development was reported on October 11, 2026, amid speculation about whether the account had been renamed, deactivated or compromised.
Media screenshots of the former account showed more than 613,000 followers before the change. However, the circumstances surrounding the account’s transformation remain unclear, and there is no independently established evidence that Among personally sold her account or transferred ownership to Global Africa.
The change has nevertheless provoked a strong reaction from some users who followed the account for Among’s political statements, parliamentary updates and personal messages.
One disgruntled follower captured the sentiment in a post that read: “I have unfollowed that Global Africa coz me I won’t accept to be sold. My follow was for Aunt AAA not Global Africa.”
The comment reflects the frustration of users who believe their decision to follow Among should not automatically translate into an endorsement of a different brand or identity.
For these followers, the controversy is not simply about a changed username. It is about the perceived loss of a direct connection to a politician whose public profile once placed her among Uganda’s most visible political figures.
Followers question the change
The apparent transition has raised questions about what happens to a politician’s digital following when an account changes its identity.
Among built a substantial online audience through her position as Speaker of Parliament, her political engagements and her association with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Her account served as a channel for communicating with constituents, sharing parliamentary developments and addressing national political issues.
The reaction from the follower who said they had unfollowed Global Africa illustrates the distinction between following a person and following a media or corporate brand.
For users who signed up to receive Among’s updates, the new identity represents a significant departure from what they originally expected.
Others may see the development as an ordinary rebranding exercise, provided the account’s ownership and purpose are transparent. But without an official explanation from Among or Global Africa, it remains difficult to determine precisely what happened.
It is also important to distinguish between an account’s displayed follower count and the number of people who continue to support its new identity. A change of name does not necessarily mean that every follower has endorsed the new brand.
The most immediate consequence is a public relations challenge for whoever now controls the account: convincing an inherited audience that the change is legitimate and explaining why a profile associated with one of Uganda’s leading politicians now carries a different identity.
From the Speaker’s chair to political uncertainty
The social media controversy comes against the background of Among’s dramatic fall from the speakership and the political turbulence that surrounded her attempt to secure another term.
Among became Speaker of the 11th Parliament in March 2022, following the death of Jacob Oulanyah. Before that, she had served as Deputy Speaker.
Her elevation placed her at the centre of parliamentary business and gave her considerable influence over the legislative agenda, parliamentary appointments and the management of proceedings in the House.
She was also a prominent figure within the NRM, working alongside President Yoweri Museveni and other senior party officials.
However, her political fortunes changed in 2026 as questions about her leadership, wealth and political alliances intensified.
One major setback came when the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, withdrew its endorsement of Among and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa for the speakership and deputy speakership of the 12th Parliament.
In a statement issued through its then general secretary, Daudi Kabanda, on May 12, the organisation said it had withdrawn its earlier endorsement of the two leaders and urged members to support candidates endorsed by Museveni and the NRM.
The move exposed the political uncertainty surrounding Among’s bid to retain the powerful parliamentary position.
The controversy also followed public debate about her acquisition of a luxury Rolls-Royce vehicle, reported by Daily Monitor in May 2026. The vehicle and questions about the source of her wealth attracted widespread attention, including criticism from Muhoozi.
Subsequently, security agencies and the Inspectorate of Government became involved in investigations concerning allegations relating to Among’s wealth and conduct. The allegations and investigations should not, however, be treated as proof of criminal wrongdoing.
The pressure culminated in Among announcing on May 17 that she would not contest for Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
In her statement, she said her decision followed consultations and reflection and was intended to maintain harmony and clarity within the NRM.
She thanked Museveni, her party and members of the 11th Parliament for giving her the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker. She also pledged to support candidates endorsed by the President and the party.
Among was subsequently replaced as Speaker when the 12th Parliament convened in May. She remained the Bukedea District Woman MP, meaning her departure from the speakership did not amount to an exit from elective politics.
The loss of the position nevertheless marked a significant change for a politician who had occupied one of the country’s most influential constitutional offices.
A digital following becomes a political talking point
The episode is particularly striking because Among’s political fortunes and online presence have changed dramatically within the same year.
In May, she withdrew from the speakership contest after the PLU withdrew its endorsement and investigations into allegations concerning her wealth and conduct intensified. Jacob Oboth-Oboth subsequently became Speaker of the 12th Parliament.
Her political difficulties also revived debate about the relationship between power, political loyalty and personal influence in Uganda.
Some analysts interpreted the developments surrounding her departure from the speakership as evidence of shifting power balances within the ruling establishment. Others emphasised the need for accountability and proper investigation of allegations against public officials.
The change to her X account adds another dimension to that story. A politician can lose an official position but retain a large online audience; what happens when that audience is suddenly presented with a different identity?
For the follower who wrote, “My follow was for Aunt AAA not Global Africa,” the answer was straightforward: unfollow.
That reaction is a reminder that social media audiences are not necessarily transferable in terms of loyalty, even when a platform’s technical arrangements allow an account to retain its followers after a rebrand.
However, the available reporting does not establish how many people have unfollowed the account, whether Global Africa acquired it through a sale, or whether Among authorised the change. Those questions require confirmation from the parties involved.
Will Among explain what happened?
The central unanswered question is whether Among deliberately handed over her account, sold it, changed its branding or lost control of it.
Her former X identity had disappeared and the handle had changed to @GlobalAfricaHQ, but it did not establish the reason for the change. The outlet also reported that her Instagram account remained active.
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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