The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) is urging the Government and Parliament to take seriously the sanctions imposed on the Speaker of Parliament and two former ministers by the United Kingdom.
Last week, the UK Government, represented by deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell, imposed sanctions on Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among and two former ministers. These sanctions include travel bans and freezing of accounts, alleging their involvement in corruption.
According to the UK’s statement, Among and former ministers Mary Gorret Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu were implicated in corruption related to the Karamoja iron sheet scandal.
In response, Speaker Among denounced the sanctions as politically motivated. Speaking during a parliamentary session on Friday, May 3, 2024, she claimed to be bearing the burden for all Ugandans and attributed the travel bans to the country’s anti-homosexuality laws. She expressed defiance, stating that Ugandan values and cultures should not be compromised.
Among also asserted that she does not require a visa to visit the UK, citing her “permanent passport” to her home district, Bukedea, and her husband’s district, Buyende.
FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo, speaking during a media briefing on Monday, May 6, 2024, emphasized the need for diplomatic handling of the situation. He expressed concern that many legislators and ministers had not taken the matter seriously enough when it was discussed in Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Ugandan Government, through State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem, criticized the UK’s decision to impose sanctions. Oryem termed the sanctions as “weaponized” and “ill-intentioned,” stating that they were based on allegations rather than conclusive evidence.
Oryem expressed disappointment in the UK’s actions, arguing that they undermine Uganda’s judiciary and sovereignty. He emphasized the need for due process and criticized the UK’s interference in Uganda’s internal affairs.
The Government stated its intention to engage with the UK government regarding the sanctions, emphasizing the importance of respecting Uganda’s legal processes and sovereignty in international relations.
