UK sanctions Ugandan parliament speaker, lawmakers over corruption allegations

Britain has sanctioned Anita Among, the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, along with two prominent Ugandan lawmakers.

Although this marks the first time the UK employs its sanctions regime to target corruption in Uganda, Uganda’s parliament spokesman, Chris Obore, claimed that the action stemmed from British displeasure over Uganda’s anti-homosexuality legislation

Anita Among, Mary Kitutu, and Agnes Nandutu, former ministers for the Karamoja region, are now subject to travel bans and asset freezes under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.

The sanctions stem from allegations that Kitutu and Nandutu misappropriated thousands of iron sheets from a government-funded housing project intended to assist vulnerable communities in Karamoja.

Among is implicated in benefiting from the proceeds of this corruption, according to a statement released by the British government.

Andrew Mitchell, Britain’s deputy foreign minister, condemned the actions of the sanctioned individuals, emphasizing that corruption has severe consequences and those responsible will be held accountable. Mitchell stated, “The actions of these individuals, in taking aid from those who need it most, and keeping the proceeds, is corruption at its worst and has no place in society.”

Both Kitutu and Nandutu are currently facing corruption charges in Uganda, with their cases pending in court. Efforts to reach them for comment on the British sanctions were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Responding to the sanctions, Uganda’s parliament spokesman, Chris Obore, suggested that the sanctions against the Speaker were influenced by British displeasure over Uganda’s anti-homosexuality legislation.

Obore dismissed the corruption allegations against Among, asserting that Ugandan institutions responsible for investigating corruption have not found the Speaker culpable.

He characterized the allegations as politically motivated and driven by vendetta.

Britain’s decision to sanction these individuals adds to a growing list of 42 individuals and entities targeted under its anti-corruption regime since its inception in 2021.

Previous targets have included individuals from countries such as Russia, South Sudan, and Venezuela.