By Blessing Chinagorom
The British Government has imposed sanctions on high profile politicians charged with corruption in Uganda, such the Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and two former Ministers.
Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell made the announcement in a statement released by government stating that this is the the first time the UK government would used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda.
It said further that these three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes.
It revealed the two former ministers sanctioned as Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu who stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead.
Also, is the Speaker of the Parliament, Anita Annet Among, benefited from the proceeds while over 60% of people in Karamoja live in poverty and many suffer from devastating impacts of drought and insecurity.
In his comments, the Deputy Foriegn Secretary 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.
Adding that, “The Ugandan courts are rightly taking action to crack down on politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense. Today the UK sending clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable, said, “Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible”.
The three high profile politicians sanctioned are: Anita Annet Among, who has been the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda since 2022. Mary Goretti Kitutu, who was Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024 and Agnes Nandutu, who was State Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024.
These measures follow previous UK sanctions under the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, which has targeted individuals involved in serious corruption cases across the world, including Bulgaria, Lebanon, Moldova, Russia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Venezuela.
Since its introduction in April 2021, the UK has introduced sanctions on 42 individuals and entities under this regime globally to combat corruption across the world.