Political tensions have intensified in Uganda after Democratic Party leader Norbert Mao sharply criticized Speaker of Parliament Anita Among over her reported acquisition of a luxury Rolls Royce Cullinan valued at billions of shillings.
The remarks have added fuel to an already heated debate about wealth, leadership and accountability in public office.
The controversy stems from reports that Speaker Among recently acquired a 2025 Rolls Royce Cullinan, a high-end luxury SUV estimated to cost about £440,000 (approximately Shs 2.2 billion) before taxes and clearance fees are added. The total cost is said to rise close to Shs 4 billion once all charges are included.
According to reports circulating in the media, the vehicle was airlifted into Uganda from the United Kingdom through a private logistics arrangement linked to companies previously involved in parliamentary vehicle procurement. The development has triggered public debate about government spending and personal wealth among senior officials.
The Rolls Royce Cullinan is widely regarded as one of the most expensive luxury SUVs in the world, commonly owned by billionaires, royalty and global celebrities. Its presence in Uganda’s political circles has therefore attracted significant public attention and criticism.
Mao used the opportunity to question the leadership image of the ruling establishment, arguing that such displays of wealth undermine public confidence in government institutions. He said leaders should be mindful of how their lifestyle choices are perceived by ordinary citizens.
In his remarks, Mao described the Speaker as “like a wounded soldier who needs rehabilitation,” a statement that quickly spread across political and media platforms. His comments were interpreted as a strong attack on her leadership style and public image.
He further argued that the ruling National Resistance Movement should reconsider supporting her for continued leadership in Parliament, suggesting that her public image was becoming a liability in the political arena.
The comments also come at a time when the race for leadership positions in the 12th Parliament is beginning to take shape, with political alliances and rivalries becoming more visible ahead of the next term.
Mao expressed concern that while Parliament continues to face infrastructure challenges, including delays in completing its permanent chambers, attention is instead being drawn to luxury acquisitions by top officials.
Supporters of Speaker Among, however, have defended her, insisting that she is a successful individual with legitimate sources of income and that her wealth should not automatically be linked to corruption or misuse of public funds.
They argue that in modern politics, leaders are often unfairly targeted based on their lifestyle, especially when they hold powerful positions and make decisions that affect national governance.
Reports also suggest that tax clearance for the vehicle became a point of controversy, with claims that negotiations were needed before the car could be fully released into the country. However, official confirmation of all details remains limited.
The situation has reignited public discussion about the lifestyles of high-ranking government officials, especially in a country where many citizens continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment and limited access to basic services.
Critics say the repeated emergence of luxury-related controversies damages the credibility of Parliament and raises questions about priorities in national leadership.
Some political observers believe Mao’s remarks are part of broader positioning ahead of future political battles within Uganda’s leadership landscape, where alliances and influence remain key factors.
Others, however, see his comments as a reflection of genuine public concern about transparency and accountability in government spending.
Speaker Among has previously faced scrutiny over her wealth and assets, although she has consistently defended herself, stating that her financial status is derived from private business interests and legitimate earnings.
Her supporters also argue that focusing on her personal assets distracts from her parliamentary work and contributions to national development.
Despite the controversy, she remains a central figure in Uganda’s political leadership, continuing to hold influence within the ruling political structure.
As the debate continues, the issue has once again highlighted deep divisions in public opinion regarding leadership conduct, wealth display and political accountability in Uganda.
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