KAMPALA — Justice and constitutional affairs minister Norbert Mao has accused the speaker of irresponsibly showing off as Anita Among Rolls Royce Cullinan continues to be a subject of debate in several platforms.
The reported purchase of a luxury Rolls-Royce by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has ignited fresh political debate, placing her under renewed scrutiny at a critical moment ahead of the race for the 12th Parliament leadership.
Information emerging this week indicates that Among recently secured a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a high-end SUV valued at about £440,000 (about Shs2.2bn) before additional import-related costs.
The vehicle was reportedly transported into Uganda by air from the United Kingdom through Albeity Limited, a firm previously associated with the contentious acquisition of luxury Mercedes-Benz vehicles for parliamentary officials in 2022.
With taxes, shipping, and clearance charges factored in, the overall cost of the vehicle is expected to climb to nearly Shs4 billion.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is widely regarded as one of the most exclusive SUVs globally, often owned by royalty, global celebrities and ultra-wealthy individuals.
Reporting by the Daily Monitor indicates that Among confirmed ownership of the vehicle during a conference call involving John Musinguzi Rujoki of tax body Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). During the same interaction, she reportedly described the vehicle as a birthday gift, even though her known birth date falls in November.
According to tax officials cited in the report, the car attracted about Shs1.2bn in taxes, with a payment plan said to have been arranged.
Among is also reported to have pushed back against the attention surrounding the purchase, arguing that political opponents were exaggerating the issue to damage her reputation. She maintained that her superiors were informed about the acquisition and these are not strangers to her love for cars.
Anita Among’s superiors include President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the national chairman of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where the incumbent speaker and Bukedea District Woman MP is the second national vice chairperson (female).
The matter has revived broader public discussion about wealth, leadership and accountability, particularly given that Among remains under sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom in connection with the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. The sanctions, announced in 2024, included travel bans and asset freezes.
Democratic Party president Norbert Mao quickly weighed in on the controversy, using it to criticise the Speaker as political competition intensifies. Mao urged the ruling National Resistance Movement to rethink its support for Among’s continued tenure whose accountability record he punched holes into.
Mao described Anita Among as “a wounded soldier,” and one that needs to go for rehabilitation.
‘He argued that such displays of wealth risk undermining the credibility of public institutions and leadership in a country facing economic hardship.
“I have now heard that she bought a plush car, a Rolls Royce worth Shs2.5 billion. In a poor country like Uganda, even if you enjoy showing off, spend your money responsibly,” Mao said.
“Even Sudhir [Ruparelia] has not brought a Rolls Royce” observed Mao.
Norbert Mao further noted that he had come across social media rumors regarding Anita Among’s alleged wealth: a number of buildings in Kigo and in other places when Parliament chambers have stalled, a multimillion dollar house in Nakasero, Walusimbi’s Garage on Dewinton Road; as well as allegations of plans to put up a magnificent and a five-star hotel.
Mao also reiterated that Anita Among was not sanctioned because of pushing the anti-gay law but because of corruption.
Among took over the Speakership in 2022 following the death of Jacob Oulanyah and is now seeking another term. However, her tenure has been repeatedly overshadowed by controversy, including criticism over parliamentary spending, luxury vehicle procurement and the iron sheets scandal—issues that continue to shape the political landscape as the next leadership contest draws closer.
President Museveni has previously demanded an explanation on the source of Anita Among’s wealth, as reported Here.
Years ago, when the UK sanctioned Anita Among, there was controversy on a house she reportedly owned in London, but she insisted she did not even own a cat, as reported Here.
Norbert Mao insists that Anita Among is an accidental speaker who took the job after Jacob Oulanyah died. Anita Among has since fired back at Norbert Mao. (See Details Here and There).
The Norbert Mao-Anita Among war of words escalated last month during the Kyankwanzi retreat when the minister accused speaker of bad manners and the speaker warned the minister against crossing to the NRM bedroom. (See Details Here and There).
