Reports emerging from Nakapiripirit District indicate that Karimojong elders from Namalu Sub-county have conducted a traditional sacrificial ceremony involving a male he-goat in what sources describe as an attempt to “rescue and spiritually protect” embattled former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among amid growing political and legal pressure.
The ritual, which reportedly took place early Monday morning, May 18, was held at the ancestral home of State Minister for Labour and Employment Affairs Esther Davinia Anyakun in Nakuyon, Kawac Sub-county.
Sources say the ceremony involved elders drawn from Lomorimor village and Lokitela e Kokoroit, who were ferried in the early hours to secretly conduct the rites. The sacrificed animal was described as a male white he-goat with black spots, which was slaughtered as part of the traditional rituals.
According to insiders, the elders reportedly consumed parts of the blood and used symbolic traditional practices involving animal remnants as they invoked ancestral spirits believed to guide protection and deliverance in times of distress.
Some accounts further suggest that the elders prayed for Among to be “relieved of political troubles” and even allegedly expressed wishes that she be allowed to continue in high political leadership, including contesting for future top office.
Security sources in Namalu confirmed awareness of the gathering, noting that reports had been filed to the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) in Nakapiripirit. However, by the time security personnel arrived at the scene, the elders had reportedly already dispersed.
“We have no problem with the cultural sacrifice itself, but what raised concern was the political statements being made during the ceremony,” a security source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Preliminary accounts also allege that Minister Anyakun’s personal assistants were involved in coordinating the event under close phone supervision from their superior, though these claims remain unverified.
The development comes as Minister Anyakun is reportedly under increasing scrutiny over her alleged involvement in past government procurement controversies, including the controversial iron sheets distribution program linked to Karamoja sub-region.
She is also facing an ongoing election petition at Moroto High Court filed by her rival, Ms. Lopuwa Lilly, who is challenging the outcome of the recent parliamentary race, citing alleged electoral irregularities and voter bribery.
Meanwhile, sources have further claimed that some elders referenced cultural ties between the Karimojong and Anita Among during the ceremony, describing her as having ancestral links to the community through tribal history.
Authorities in Nakapiripirit have not yet issued an official statement on the matter, although investigations are reportedly ongoing following the unusual blend of traditional ritual practice and politically charged messaging.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions locally, with some viewing it as a cultural expression of solidarity, while others question its timing amid heightened political and legal scrutiny surrounding key government figures.
