This visit comes amid ongoing scrutiny and sanctions against Among, who has faced allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has returned to Italy to meet with Pope Francis, marking her third private audience with the pontiff in less than two years.
Anita Among in Vatican
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Despite these challenges, the Bukedea Woman MP was granted a private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican this Saturday afternoon.
Parliament confirmed Among’s audience with Pope Francis in a social media post.
In addition to her meeting with the pontiff, Among reportedly held discussions with Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the Vatican and Uganda.
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Speaker Anita Among in Vatican
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Leaked travel details
The arrangements for Among’s trip were outlined in a leaked letter from the Ugandan Embassy in Germany, which highlighted that the Speaker's travel was facilitated by the German embassy rather than the Italian embassy.
Ambassador Steven Mubiru, in a letter addressed to the Clerk of Parliament, requested details of Among's travel plans, including information about her entourage, media equipment, and accommodation in Rome. The reasons behind the involvement of the German embassy remain unclear.
Among's visit to the Vatican comes at a time when she is under intense international scrutiny.
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This week, the United States government imposed sanctions on Among, her husband, Eng. Moses Magogo, and other officials, citing significant corruption linked to her leadership of Uganda’s national assembly.
The U.S. sanctions followed similar measures taken earlier by the UK government on related charges. These sanctions have heightened attention on Among’s international activities and diplomatic engagements.
Speaker Among with the team she tavelled with to Italy
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The Speaker's relationship with the Vatican has garnered attention in the past. In August 2023, Among visited Rome, where she informed Pope Francis that she was expecting a child. Two months later, she announced the birth of twins, further personalizing her ongoing interactions with the Vatican.
Despite the controversies surrounding her, Among’s continued visits to the Vatican indicate her commitment to maintaining a connection with the Catholic Church's highest leadership. As she navigates political and diplomatic challenges, her meetings with Pope Francis may serve as a platform for seeking guidance and reinforcing her international standing.
