Following the UK government's move to impose sanctions on the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, and two former cabinet ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, over allegations of corruption, more realities to the matter have been revealed and continue to unpack every time that passes.
The sanctions come following allegations of mismanagement of relief iron sheets meant for the Karamoja region. Among and the two former ministers are accused of mishandling the distribution of the iron sheets, which were intended for the benefit of the Karamoja community.
Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, alias Bobi Wine, the principal of the National Unity Platform (NUP), claims that his party and other "forces of change" played a significant role in bringing the corruption allegations to light. Kyagulanyi, who has been in and out of the UK, stated that his party has been making routine reports on corruption in the Ugandan Parliament, including the issue of the stolen relief iron sheets.
“Yes, these are fruits of our engagement and other change-loving Ugandans. So many are pushing such interventions not only by the UK but the entire international community. We are glad that now the international community is biting,” Robert Kyagulanyi said.
The UK government's official document, published on Tuesday, April 30, stated that "Anita Annet Among whilst Speaker of Parliament of Uganda and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, is or has been responsible for or engaged in serious corruption."
The two lawmakers, formerly ministers Agness Nandutu and Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu, are currently in court facing charges related to the alleged theft of Karamoja iron sheets.
Responding to the sanctions, Among and the two former ministers claimed they were sanctioned due to their involvement in the anti-LGBTQ law. However, Kyagulanyi dismissed this claim, stating that it should be disregarded.
“That is a lie, the public should disregard such claims by the implicated leader that they are aimed at the anti-gay law. If that was the case, the mover of the motion Asuman Basalirwa would be equally sanctioned,” Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi also called for the international community to intervene in the case of missing persons who were abducted during the 2021 elections.
“We have petitioned most international organizations over the missing persons who were abducted during the just concluded 2021 elections; we hope the executives are put into account,” Kyagulanyi said.
