The Ugandan government has vehemently objected to the recent US sanctions imposed on Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and other officials. On Thursday, the US State Department announced travel and financial sanctions against Among and her spouse, Moses Magogo, citing significant corruption linked to her leadership role. The sanctions also target ministers Amos Lugolobi and his spouse, former Karamoja ministers Agnes Nandutu and Mary Goretti Kitutu and her spouse, for allegedly misusing public resources and diverting materials intended for Uganda's neediest communities. Additionally, Lt Gen Peter Elwelu was sanctioned for his involvement in clashes between Ugandan security forces and a local militant group, resulting in over 100 deaths.
In response, Uganda's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Oryem Okello, criticized the US government's actions as an affront to Uganda's judicial system.
"My belief is that this is an insult and undermines our judicial system," Okello stated. "The sanctions are unjust. They are punitive. They are bullish because they know that we cannot do anything against it. And it’s just deliberate to punish the Speaker for her role and leadership to fight LGBTQ and homosexuality in Uganda."
Okello argued that the sanctioned ministers are currently facing Ugandan courts, which have not yet ruled on the cases. The US State Department emphasized its support for Ugandans advocating for democratic principles, a government that serves all its citizens, and accountability for those who abuse their positions through corruption and gross human rights violations.
Ugandan political analyst Mary Anne Nanfuka suggested that the targeted officials are not acting independently and that sanctions are ineffective as a deterrent.
"I see that these Western countries want to pander to their electorate," Nanfuka said. "They know very well that they need the government to cooperate with them in certain areas. So, once push comes to shove, they will let it pass. Yes, it’s a gesture, but no, we are still not impressed."
Chris Obore, the head of public affairs in the Parliament, described the corruption allegations as politically motivated and driven by vendetta. He argued that if the allegations were genuine, the entire Ugandan cabinet would have been targeted. The State Department specifically highlighted a scandal involving the misallocation of iron roofing sheets intended for impoverished communities, which were allegedly shared among top government officials.
"It is a sign of their latent anger against the Speaker for presiding over the anti-homosexuality law," Obore said. "It is clear that the UK, US, and Canada have been putting pressure when that law was being debated here. Because it is not about iron sheets. How did the Speaker personally benefit from those iron sheets when public schools that were roofed are there?"
Okello concluded by stating that Uganda would engage US government officials to uncover the basis for the State Department's decision to impose the sanctions.
