UK sanctions Ugandan speaker, ex-ministers over ‘serious corruption’

The speaker and former ministers in Uganda will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.

News Agency of Nigeria • April 30, 2024

UK and Uganda Flags[Credit: Muniini K. Mulera]

The UK sanctioned the speaker of the Ugandan parliament, Anita Among, and two high-profile Ugandan lawmakers on Tuesday, targeting corruption in the East African country for the first time with its sanctions regime.

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

“Specifically, Among, whilst speaker of Parliament of Uganda and member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption,” the country said.

The UK said Mses Kitutu and Nandutu had stolen thousands of iron sheets from a government-funded housing project aimed at helping vulnerable communities in Karamoja.

Ms Among had benefited from the proceeds of the theft, London’s statement added.

“The UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences, and you will be held responsible,” Britain’s deputy foreign minister, Andrew Mitchell, said in a statement.

“The actions of these individuals, in taking aid from those who need it most and keeping the proceeds, are corruption at its worst and have no place in society,” Mr Mitchell added.

Mses Kitutu and Nandutu have been charged with corruption in Uganda, and their cases remain in the courts.

They could not immediately be reached for comment on the British sanctions.

Uganda’s parliament spokesman, Chris Obore, told Reuters that the sanctions against the speaker were linked to British anger over an anti-homosexuality law passed in Uganda.

“Uganda has regulatory, investigatory, and disciplinary institutions that deal with corruption, and none of them has found the speaker culpable; the corruption allegations are as political and vendetta-driven as they come,” Mr Obore said.

Since its establishment in 2021, Britain has sanctioned 42 individuals and entities, including Russia, South Sudan, and Venezuela, under its anti-corruption regime.

(Reuters/NAN)

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