A delegation of elders from the Teso Chiefdom, led by Paramount Chief His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, on Sunday visited former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among at her residence, where they said they found her in stable condition despite weeks of public speculation about her health.
The visit comes after the former Speaker remained largely out of the public eye, fueling widespread speculation on social media and concern among her supporters, particularly in the Teso sub-region where she remains one of the area's most prominent political figures.
Speaking after the visit, Emorimor said the delegation had travelled on behalf of the people of Teso to establish the facts about Among's condition and reassure the community.
"We came as a family from Teso because we had not had the opportunity to see how our daughter was doing. There has been a lot circulating on social media, but after seeing her ourselves, what we found is different from what has been portrayed," he said.
The Paramount Chief thanked President Museveni for allowing the delegation to visit Among and commended the security agencies for maintaining order during the period.
He also appealed to the President to grant the Teso leadership an audience to discuss the matter, saying dialogue would help ease tensions while allowing investigations to proceed without interference.
"We support the investigations that are ongoing. Let the law take its course so that a fair and just decision is reached, but we also request space for dialogue so that the concerns of our people can be addressed," he said.
Addressing reports about Among's health, Papa Emorimor said the delegation found her receiving treatment for hypertension and diabetes but generally in stable condition.
"There have been many reports claiming that our daughter is gravely ill. What we have seen is different. She is receiving treatment for hypertension and diabetes, but generally she is in good condition," he said.
He urged the people of Teso to remain peaceful, adding that Among had asked the delegation to convey her greetings to the community.
The Paramount Chief said the developments surrounding the former Speaker had also fostered greater unity among leaders across the Teso sub-region.
"This situation has brought together leaders who previously had differences. Political leaders, local government officials, elders and the Teso Parliamentary Group are now working together. Unity is what we have needed for many years," he said.
Senior Teso Chiefdom elder Christine Amongin Aporu said the delegation comprised representatives from all the 11 districts and municipalities that make up the Teso sub-region.
She said their mission was to verify Among's condition firsthand and reassure residents following conflicting reports.
"Seeing is believing. We have seen her ourselves. She is not one hundred percent healthy because she is managing hypertension and diabetes, but she welcomed us warmly and even prepared a meal for the delegation," Aporu said.
Aporu reaffirmed the delegation's support for the ongoing investigations and called for dialogue with President Museveni. She also praised Among's husband for standing by her throughout the difficult period.
The Chairperson of the Iteso Cultural Union Council, Emechu Nosianta, said many people had hesitated to visit the former Speaker because of reports circulating on social media and concerns about the prevailing security situation.
"We had heard many things and even feared that those who came here would be arrested. But today we came, met our daughter, spoke to her and encouraged her. She received us well," she said.
Nosianta said the delegation would continue praying for Among's recovery and appealed for an opportunity to meet President Museveni to discuss the matter and other issues affecting the Teso community.
The visit concluded with renewed calls for unity, restraint and patience as investigations continue.
The delegation said its visit was intended to establish firsthand information, reassure the people of Teso and encourage calm while legal and investigative processes take their course.
