The Bishop of North Kigezi Diocese, Onesimus Asiimwe, has urged government to intensify the fight against corruption and extend ongoing investigations beyond former Speaker Anita Among, saying graft remains widespread among officials in both senior and lower offices.
Speaking during the installation service of Rev. Canon George Bazahuuza as Archdeacon of Buhunga Archdeaconry in North Kigezi Diocese on Sunday, Bishop Asiimwe commended government for taking steps against corruption but cautioned against selective accountability.
“Do not stop at Anita Among because there are many corrupt people in higher and lower offices,” Bishop Asiimwe said.
He called for a sustained and comprehensive anti-corruption campaign capable of restoring public trust and ensuring accountability across all government institutions.
The bishop also urged Christians to repent for the misuse of public resources, saying spiritual renewal and integrity are essential in leadership and public service.
He noted that President Yoweri Museveni had declared his current term one of zero tolerance towards corruption and pledged the Church’s support towards efforts aimed at fighting graft.
Bishop Asiimwe further challenged church leaders to remain obedient, disciplined and guided by the Holy Spirit while serving communities.
“A leader who is not obedient will experience disobedience from the people they lead,” he said, adding that leaders lacking integrity should not occupy positions of responsibility.
Speaking at the same function, Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Bron Kikanshemeza, who represented Security Minister and Rujumbura County MP Jim Muhwezi, described corruption as “the only devil disturbing the country.”
Kikanshemeza cited abandoned and poorly executed government projects in Rukungiri District, particularly substandard bridges in Rujumbura County, as evidence of the damaging effects of corruption.
“Let us unite and work together to fight corruption and ensure public resources benefit the people,” he said.
The bishop’s remarks come amid intensified investigations involving Anita Among over allegations of corruption, illicit enrichment, abuse of office and money laundering.
Last week, security agencies reportedly searched Among’s residence in Bukedea as well as her parents’ home as part of the ongoing investigations.
Earlier, authorities also towed several vehicles from her residences in Kigo and Nakasero to aid investigations. The vehicles reportedly included a Rolls-Royce valued at about Shs3.4 billion, a Range Rover and multiple Toyota Land Cruisers.
Parliament has also repossessed seven official vehicles previously attached to Among during her tenure as Speaker of the 11th Parliament after she assumed office in 2022.
Investigators are also reported to have recovered unspecified sums of money during the ongoing operations.
Among had initially expressed interest in contesting for Speaker of the 12th Parliament but later withdrew from the race, citing party harmony within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), where she serves as the Second National Vice Chairperson (Female) on the party’s Central Executive Committee.
The developments come amid the launch of “Operation Maliza Ufisadi,” an anti-corruption campaign announced by Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has repeatedly warned corrupt officials and individuals suspected of accumulating illicit wealth.
Through the Patriotic League of Uganda, Muhoozi has publicly backed West Budama Central MP Jacob Oboth-Oboth for Speaker and supported incumbent Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa to retain his position.
The NRM Central Executive Committee and parliamentary caucus later endorsed Oboth-Oboth and Tayebwa as the ruling party’s official candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively ahead of the opening sitting of the 12th Parliament.