“She Was Behaving Like a Demi-God”: MP Gilbert Olanya Speaks Out on Former Speaker Anita Among’s Exit

Gilbert Olanya, the Member of Parliament for Kilak South, has launched a scathing critique of the 11th Parliament under the leadership of former Speaker Anita Among, alleging widespread mismanagement, corruption, and a culture of fear.

In a series of explosive interviews on Next Radio 106.1FM, Olanya did not hide his satisfaction with the leadership change, stating that 98% of MPs are happy about the incidents that befell the former Speaker.

“People are celebrating her departure,” he told host Canary Mugume. When asked directly if he was part of those celebrating, Olanya replied, “Of course.”

Parliament Run ‘Like Personal Property’

Olanya painted a grim picture of the 11th Parliament, describing it as a “highly transactional” institution where MPs lived in constant fear.

“@AnitahAmong was running it like her personal property. MPs were living in fear,” he charged. He claimed that any attempt to speak against the former Speaker would result in severe repercussions.

“If anyone attempted to say anything against @AnitahAmong, they would be finished,” Olanya explained. “She would firstly deny you the chance to contribute on the floor of Parliament, never allow you trips out of the country, and you would be treated as a reject. All MPs in the 11th Parliament were acting out of fear.”

Ghost Workers and Tarnished Reputation

The lawmaker further alleged serious financial misconduct, claiming that over 100 people are currently receiving salaries from Parliament but are not working there.

“They are paid every month. Some are working in @AnitahAmong’s institutions in Bukedea District, but are paid by Parliament,” he revealed, calling for a thorough investigation into Parliament’s human resource practices.

Olanya lamented that the corruption under the previous leadership has tarnished the reputation of all MPs from the 11th Parliament. “Currently, our name is tarnished. MPs of the 11th Parliament; wherever we go; many people look at us as robbers & mafias, just because of the corruption that was taking place.”

He also admitted that committee work suffered greatly due to the former Speaker’s mismanagement, saying, “We did not do much for Ugandans.”

Museveni ‘Played’ Mao, Says Olanya

In addition to his remarks on the former Speaker, Olanya offered his analysis of President Museveni’s political strategy, particularly regarding the recent speakership election. He claimed the President skillfully managed opposition figure Norbert Mao.

“President Museveni is a very clever person. He knows how to play his cards and always keeps them close to his chest, deploying them at the right time,” Olanya stated. He alleged that after a meeting, President Museveni reassured Mao about becoming Speaker, making Mao “very confident.”

“President Museveni has continued to ‘play’ Mao up to today,” he added. Olanya concluded that the final election outcome reaffirms that party position matters far more than individual confidence.

A New Hope?

Despite his harsh assessment of the past, Olanya expressed optimism about the new leadership. He noted that while both Jacob Oboth Oboth and Thomas Tayebwa were supported by President Museveni and the CDF, they should now be allowed time to operate independently.

He also linked the government’s future success to its current actions. “If @KagutaMuseveni continues with the crackdown on corruption together with the CDF, then in 2031, Ugandans will strongly support them.”

Olanya concluded by welcoming the new Speaker’s pledge, stating, “I am happy that Rt. Hon. @ObothOboth has pledged to fight corruption.”