US sanctions Uganda's Speaker Anita Among, four others over human rights violation

The US government has sanctioned Uganda’s Speaker Anita Annet Among alongside four other current and former ministers over their alleged involvement in corruption and gross violation of human rights.

The officials include Finance minister Amos Lugolobi and former ministers Goretti Kitutu, Agnes Nandutu and former Deputy Chief of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Peter Elwelu.

In a statement, the US Department of State says the five top state officials are responsible for oppressing society organisations.

“These individuals are responsible for, or complicit in, the repression of Ugandan members of political opposition groups, civil society organizers, and vulnerable communities in Uganda,’’ reads part of the statement from the US Department of State.

The US sanction against Speaker Among came hot on the heels of a similar decision taken by the UK government that prompted President Museveni to order an investigation on the allegations.

The UK government has linked Speaker Among to the ownership of a house in the United Kingdom, an assertion she has denied.

The Speaker is blaming her woes on a tough anti-homosexuality law which passed in the parliament amidst opposition from human rights groups and criticisms from the governments of US and UK.

Minister Lugolobi and the former ministers are accused of misappropriating public resources while the former military deputy chief Elwelu is said to have presided over extrajudicial killings of government critics including opposition members.

The sanctions include visa restrictions barring the officials from entering the US.

“Today’s actions reaffirm the U.S. commitment to support transparency in Uganda’s democratic processes, counter corruption globally, and address the broader culture of impunity that prevents all Ugandans from enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” said the US government.