Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has denounced the sanctions imposed on her and two other ministers by the UK, alleging political motives behind the move.
Addressing Parliament during plenary on Friday, May 3, 2024, Among asserted that she sees herself as bearing the burden for the entire Ugandan population, attributing the travel ban to the influence of homosexuals.
She emphasized her stance against homosexuality, linking the sanctions to Uganda’s anti-homosexual legislation passed by Parliament. Among expressed her resolve to uphold Ugandan values and culture, urging those who disagree to leave the country.
In response to the sanctions, Among declared her lack of need for a visa to travel to the UK, citing her “permanent passport” affiliations with her home district of Bukedea and Buyende, her husband’s birthplace.
She called upon other nations to respect the sovereignty of Uganda, rejecting external interference in the country’s affairs.
The British government accused former ministers Mary Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu of embezzling iron sheets from a government housing project in Karamoja, alleging Among’s involvement in the proceeds of the theft.
British Deputy Foreign Minister Andrew Mitchell highlighted the consequences of corruption, asserting that those who exploit others will face accountability.
While most MPs voiced support for Among and urged respect for Uganda’s sovereignty, some, like MPs Ssemujju Nganda and Joel Ssenyonyi, questioned the necessity of parliamentary discussions if Among was unaffected by the sanctions.
Despite queries about her stance, Among dismissed any notion of being perturbed by the sanctions, asserting her resilience.
However, Among stressed the importance of the Foreign Affairs Ministry presenting a statement in Parliament outlining the government’s response to the issue.
The UK’s sanctions, comprising travel bans and asset freezes under the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, were formally announced on the UK government’s official platform.
Among clarified that she possesses no assets or accounts in the UK, challenging the UK government to proceed with freezing any purported assets if they believe they exist.
