A sweeping state security operation targeting outgoing Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has escalated dramatically, with elite joint security teams raiding multiple properties linked to the once-powerful political figure as Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly declared war on corruption under a newly unveiled crackdown dubbed Operation “Maliza Ufisadi.”
The operation, whose name translates from Swahili as “End Corruption,” has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political establishment after heavily armed security operatives descended on Among’s residences in Nakasero, Ntinda and the upscale lakeside suburb of Kigo in coordinated searches that insiders say are tied to investigations into corruption, unexplained wealth, abuse of office and illicit financial dealings.
For the first time, Gen. Muhoozi directly linked the raids to a state-backed anti-corruption offensive ordered by President Yoweri Museveni.
“The security forces under the direction and instructions of the Commander-in-Chief launched Operation ‘Maliza Ufisadi’ the other day. We shall expand this operation and apprehend all culprits. No one will be spared,” Muhoozi posted on X.
The statement marks one of the strongest and most public security declarations against senior political figures in recent years, signaling what analysts are describing as a full-scale dismantling of powerful patronage networks that had flourished within government circles.
Security sources indicate that operatives attached to the Criminal Investigations Directorate, military intelligence and other specialized agencies have been combing through documents, electronic devices, property records and financial trails recovered from the raided homes.
The raids have unfolded against a backdrop of deepening political turmoil surrounding Among’s grip on Parliament and her fading bid to retain the speakership in the newly inaugurated 12th Parliament.
Only days before the operation intensified, Muhoozi and the Patriotic League of Uganda dramatically withdrew political support for Among, exposing widening fractures within the ruling establishment.
In another explosive statement, Muhoozi declared: “We have already chosen the new Speaker, and he is a man,” remarks widely interpreted as confirmation that powerful state actors had abandoned Among’s political future even before the security crackdown became public.
The developments have triggered panic within political circles, with insiders suggesting that Operation “Maliza Ufisadi” could extend beyond Among to include other politically connected officials, businessmen and public servants suspected of benefiting from corruption networks.
Sources close to the investigations say authorities are examining procurement deals, parliamentary expenditure, property acquisitions and financial flows linked to individuals close to the outgoing Speaker.
The raids have also reignited public scrutiny over Among’s rapid accumulation of wealth and lavish lifestyle, issues that have repeatedly generated controversy both locally and internationally.
Observers say the operation represents a major shift in the balance of power within Uganda’s political system, especially given Among’s previously untouchable status as one of the most influential figures in government.
By Sunday evening, security agencies had maintained a heavy presence around some of the targeted properties while investigators reportedly prepared for further operations.
Although no formal charges had been announced by press time, the message from the security establishment appeared unmistakable: the era of political immunity may be facing its biggest test yet.
