By Hannah Marion Namukasa
The United States has escalated its punitive measures against Ugandan officials, amplifying pressure on Speaker Anita Among and others accused of corruption and human rights violations. The latest round of sanctions, described as a triple blow to Among’s political standing, signifies a significant tightening of the screws by the US administration.
Amid a backdrop of mounting international scrutiny, Speaker Among finds herself at the center of a storm of allegations regarding her involvement in significant corruption linked to her leadership role in Uganda’s Parliament. This designation, coupled with the inclusion of former Karamoja Affairs ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, along with Minister of State for Finance Amos Lugolobi, underscores the breadth of the crackdown on those deemed responsible for misusing public resources and diverting aid intended for vulnerable communities.
In a notable expansion of the sanctions list, the US has also targeted senior presidential advisor and former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu. Gen Elwelu’s inclusion is attributed to his alleged involvement in gross violations of human rights, particularly his command responsibility during the deadly assault on the Rwenzuru palace in 2016, which resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings.
The ramifications of these sanctions extend beyond mere diplomatic gestures. The affected officials, including Speaker Among and her husband Moses Magogo, who himself faced conviction for FIFA World Cup ticket theft, now face restrictions on entry into the United States under the Foreign Operations and Related Programs Appropriations Act of 2024.
This comprehensive measure aims to reinforce the US commitment to transparency in Uganda’s democratic processes and to address the pervasive culture of impunity that undermines human rights and stifles development.
As the US reaffirms its stance against corruption and human rights abuses, the ripple effects of these sanctions are felt not only in Uganda’s political landscape but also in the broader discourse surrounding accountability and governance in the region.
