UK sanctions Uganda’s parliament speaker, politicians over alleged corruption

By Hassan Isilow

The UK imposed sanctions Tuesday on Ugandan National Assembly Speaker Anita Among and two former ministers currently serving as members of parliament for alleged corruption.

A Foreign Office statement named the two former ministers as Mary Goretti Kitutu, who served as Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024, and her deputy Agnes Nandutu.

They were recently charged with corruption for allegedly stealing thousands of roofing iron sheets meant to be given to vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region.

The politicians distributed the iron sheets to prominent politicians and their families.

The statement also said that Among benefited from the proceeds meant for the poorest communities in Uganda. Over 60% of the people in Karamoja live in poverty, and many suffer from the devastating impacts of drought and insecurity.

“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,” said UK Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell.

“Today, 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,” he said.

He also praised the Ugandan courts for rightly taking action to crack down on politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense.

This is the first time the UK has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda.

Uganda’s parliament issued a statement late Tuesday responding to the sanctions, saying they are not about the alleged theft of iron sheets but because the Ugandan parliament speaker has strongly supported the recently enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act.