Uganda’s Muhoozi Orders Release of Ex-Speaker Among, Cracks Down on PACEID

In a dramatic series of social media posts, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced the release of former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among from house arrest while simultaneously declaring the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID) an illegal organisation.

Among’s Release Ordered

Gen Muhoozi, who is President Yoweri Museveni’s son, announced that the President had instructed him to release Among, who has been under house arrest since May following investigations into corruption allegations.

“Mzee has also instructed me to release AAA from house arrest. We shall do that as well,” Muhoozi stated on X, referring to Among by her initials.

Responding to questions about whether criminal prosecution would continue, Muhoozi stated: “No. We shall not prosecute AAA. She made mistakes but Mzee has decided to forgive her.”

Among had been under investigation over allegations including illicit enrichment, abuse of office, and money laundering. Several properties linked to her, including residences in Nakasero, Kigo, and Bukedea, were searched by security agencies. Her bank accounts and assets, including a luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan reportedly valued at Shs 3.4 billion, had been frozen.

Crackdown on PACEID

In a separate series of posts, Muhoozi declared PACEID, an export and industrial development advisory body chaired by his brother-in-law Odrek Rwabwogo, an “illegal organisation” and ordered the arrest of its members.

“PACEID is an illegal organisation. We shall start arresting its members immediately,” Muhoozi wrote.

He further directed all government ministries, departments, agencies, and local governments to suspend all dealings with the organisation, warning that failure to comply would “be handled accordingly.”

“We are going to arrest ALL the members of PACEID involved in corruption,” he added, claiming that one person had already been arrested.

Muhoozi also warned radio and television stations against giving PACEID officials airtime, saying they would face “severe consequences.”

Escalating Family Feud

The PACEID crackdown represents an escalation in the long-running public feud between Muhoozi and Rwabwogo, who is married to President Museveni’s daughter, Patience. Muhoozi has previously described Rwabwogo as “Uganda’s biggest thief.”

The confrontation has been playing out through proxies, particularly Kasambya County MP Daudi Kabanda, a prominent Muhoozi ally who has repeatedly accused Rwabwogo of corruption and land grabbing.

2031 Presidential Declaration

Amidst these announcements, Muhoozi declared his intention to run for Uganda’s highest office in 2031. “I will stand for the highest office in the land in 2031. And we will win by the grace of Almighty God,” he stated.

This represents his clearest timeline yet for his long-standing presidential ambitions, having previously ruled himself out of the 2026 race.

Political Implications

Gen Muhoozi notably listed only four people he cannot arrest: President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, Afande Saleh, and Maama Jovia, while vowing action against others tied to graft.

The developments have drawn mixed reactions from supporters and critics, with many noting the family connections involved in both the arrests and the political succession debate.