The UK government has imposed stringent sanctions on the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Anita Among, and two former ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, for their alleged involvement in corrupt activities that have deprived vulnerable communities of essential resources and undermined the rule of law.
The two ministers, who are now subject to a travel ban and asset freezes, are alleged to have stolen iron sheets from a housing project in the Karamoja region and provided them to prominent politicians and their families. Speaker Among is alleged to have benefited from the scheme.
Deputy Foreign Secretary and Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said, “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.
“The Ugandan courts are rightly taking action to crack down on those politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense.” He added that the UK is “sending a clear message” that “corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible.”
This is the first time the UK has utilized its Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime against individuals in Uganda.
