UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The United Kingdom (UK)‘s Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, has announced sanctions on Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and two former ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, over corruption allegations involving Karamoja iron sheets.
The sanctions mark the first time the UK government has applied the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime to Ugandan officials for their alleged involvement in corruption.
The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes against Among, Kitutu, and Nandutu.
According to a statement from the UK government, Kitutu and Nandutu stole thousands of iron sheets intended for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project meant to support vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region.
These iron sheets were allegedly provided to prominent politicians and their families instead.
Among is said to have benefited from the proceeds of the project. Over 60% of people in the mineral-rich, restive Karamoja Sub-region in northeastern Uganda live in poverty and face challenges due to drought and insecurity, according to research reports.
Mitchell criticised the actions of the individuals, stating that their behaviour, in taking aid from those in need and keeping the proceeds, represents 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,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell added that the UK is sending a clear message to those who benefit at the expense of others, stating, “Corruption has consequences, and you will be held responsible.”
Among has served as the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda since 2022, while Kitutu was the Minister for Karamoja Affairs from 2021 until she was removed in 2024. Nandutu was her junior minister.
The UK’s action follows previous sanctions under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime, which has targeted individuals involved in serious corruption cases worldwide, including Bulgaria, Lebanon, Moldova, Russia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Venezuela.
Since its introduction in April 2021, the UK has imposed sanctions on 42 individuals and entities globally to combat corruption.
These UK sanctions follow the US’s revocation of Among’s visa in May of last year due to anti-homosexuality law issues.
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