UK government has slapped sanctions on Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and ex-ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu over corruption.
Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell announced sanctions on April 30.
“The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes,” read a statement from the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
“The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead. The Speaker of the Parliament, Anita Annet Among, benefited from the proceeds.”
Deputy Foreign Secretary Andrew Mitchell said the sanctions send a statement to the corrupt.
“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. The Ugandan courts are rightly taking action to crack down on those politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense,” said 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.”
