IN a significant move targeting corruption in Uganda, Britain has sanctioned Anita Among, the speaker of the Ugandan parliament, along with two high-profile lawmakers, Mary Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu. This marks the first application of Britain’s sanctions regime aimed at combating corruption in the East African nation.
Under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, Among, Kitutu, and Nandutu will face travel bans and asset freezes, reflecting London’s determination to combat corruption and hold accountable those who exploit public resources for personal gain.
According to Britain, Kitutu and Nandutu were involved in the misappropriation of thousands of iron sheets from a government-funded housing project intended to assist vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region. Among, the Ugandan parliament speaker, allegedly benefited from the proceeds of this theft, as stated in London’s official statement.
‘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,’ emphasised Britain’s deputy foreign minister Andrew Mitchell.
He further condemned the actions of the individuals involved, describing their conduct as ‘corruption at its worst’ and asserting that such behaviour has no place in society.
While Kitutu and Nandutu face corruption charges in Uganda, they were unavailable for immediate comment regarding the British sanctions. Uganda’s parliament spokesman, Chris Obore, suggested that the sanctions against Among were linked to British dissatisfaction with Uganda’s anti-homosexuality legislation.
Responding to the sanctions, Obore dismissed the corruption allegations against the speaker as politically motivated, highlighting the existence of regulatory and investigative institutions in Uganda that have not found Among culpable.
Britain’s use of its anti-corruption regime extends its sanctions reach to a total of 42 individuals and entities since its establishment in 2021, encompassing figures from various countries, including Russia, South Sudan, and Venezuela.