Government has revealed plans to enhance the security of Speaker Anita Among (pictured) after she revealed in Parliament that she received an assassination threat and her convoy has been trailed by unknown assailants.
The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said that issues of security especially when it comes to assassination of the Speaker can’t be discussed openly in Parliament and asked Parliament to give Government more time, to inform the President who is also the Commander in Chief (CiC) as well as all the people concerned.
“Issues of security aren’t a cat and rat chase like you see it, I want to commit that we are going to handle this issue with utmost urgency it deserves, you will be protected. Your God is there to protect you, nothing will happen to you and we are going to beef her security, we are in charge of this government,” said Nabbanja.
The Premier’s remarks were in response to a query posed by Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) who tasked the Premier to explain what steps government is going to undertake to alleviate the threat the Speaker is facing.
“For me when I hear about assassinations, I don’t take them lightly, over and above the issue of investigation, is this something that concerns you? I am sure by the time the Speaker mentioned it on the floor in the words of Chinua Achebe the handshake has gone beyond elbow. If really the speaker is facing assassination threats, where does that leave all of us? You said that matter will be investigated, that is a casual statement. Are you planning to enhance her security and security of others?” asked Basalirwa.
His question followed a revelation by Speaker that there has been an assassination attempt put against her life, where she fired back at her tormentors that she won’t be left in fear over their threats, but will rely on the protection of her Creator who installed her in the Speakership seat.
The Speaker said: “I have only shared this with Leader of Opposition, I have got an assassination report wanting to assassinate me. As we have said, investigate on what is happening and start with mine because it isn’t a hearsay, it is a reality, follow it up with the Minister of Internal Affairs. My car is still followed up to now, and whoever feels is going to assassinate Anita, I was put in this chair by God. Me I have my village to go to, I was put in this chair by God and I will serve until I get tired.”
While reacting to the remarks by Basalirwa, Among said she raised the matter because it was overdue, and put Ugandans on alert that if anything can happen to her, the assassination threats should be blamed and promised to handle the matter with the executive.
However, Speaker Among isn’t the first Speaker to report an assassination attempt in Parliament with former Speaker Kadaga in 2014 having reported of an incidence where she reported to have received a letter bomb through email, only for the deadly letter to explode when one of her aides, Herman Kabogoza opened it.
