Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among has dispelled reports that she ordered the arrest of Fatuma Nansubuga a lady who was arrested outside parliament protesting against corruption in the house.
The speaker made the remarks on Tuesday, shortly after Nansubuga was granted bail by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court. Nansubuga was arrested on Wednesday last week after she was found at the Parliamentary gate carrying placards and demanding the resignation of the speaker over corruption.
In a message posted on her social media account, Speaker Among says peaceful demonstration is a constitutional right, and she is a firm believer in the right of citizens to hold leaders accountable, just like Ms Nansubuga was doing.
“I have seen reports about Ms Fatuma Nansubuga, who was allegedly arrested on my orders and subsequently imprisoned at Luzira Prison for demonstrating outside Parliament premises. I am pleased to hear that she has been released on bail. Peaceful demonstration is a constitutional right, and I look forward to listening to her concerns. I am a firm believer in the right of citizens to hold leaders accountable, just like Ms Nansubuga was doing. I have a duty to, in due course, engage and listen to her concerns.” a message posted Speaker Anita Among’s X account on Tuesday reads.
Ever since her arrest, a section of citizens have accused Among for being intolerant by ordering the arrest of Nansubuga. Nansubuga was granted bail after being charged with ‘being a public nuisance’ and remanded to Luzira prison. A social media campaign has also kicked off demanding the release of Fatuma and the former Deputy RCC for Rubaga Anderson Burora who is still in prison allegedly on Among’s orders.
Among says she has invited Nansubuga for dialogue but did not comment on Burora’s case. She also agreed to have an online session with citizens over related matters.
“I did not order her arrest. There are so many things said about me that my staff have shared with me, which are totally unfounded. I have consistently said feedback from citizens who by right should hold leaders to account is what will ultimately strengthen our democracy. On that note, I have instructed my staff to organise a conversation here soon so we can all have an open conversation to listen to citizens and get feedback on what needs to be done better.” Another message posted an half an hour later reads.