The United States Department of State has announced the designation of five current and former Ugandan officials for their involvement in either significant corruption or gross violations of human rights.
Anita Among, the Speaker of Parliament, finds herself in the spotlight due to her alleged engagement in significant corruption during her leadership of Uganda’s Parliament. Former Ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, alongside current Minister Amos Lugolobi, are also on the list for their roles in substantial corruption. These officials are accused of diverting public resources meant for Uganda’s most vulnerable communities for their own personal gain.
Not to be outdone, Peter Elwelu, a former Deputy Chief of the Ugandan Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), earns his spot on the list for his involvement in gross violations of human rights. Specifically, Elwelu stands accused of commanding UPDF forces during extrajudicial killings, tarnishing his record with bloodshed.
As a consequence of their actions, these designated Ugandan officials face restrictions on entry into the United States, casting a shadow over any international travel plans they might have.
The Department of State doesn’t stop there, announcing plans to impose visa restrictions on several other Ugandan officials. These additional measures are directed towards those who have allegedly undermined democratic processes and suppressed marginalized or vulnerable populations within Uganda. Their actions allegedly include the repression of political opposition groups, civil society organizers, and other vulnerable communities.
Standing firm on principles of democracy and accountability, the United States expresses solidarity with Ugandan citizens who advocate for fair governance and transparency. The statement emphasizes the detrimental effects of impunity, highlighting how corruption and human rights abuses hinder development and perpetuate inequality, particularly impacting marginalized communities.
The Department of State cites Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 (Div. F, P.L. 118-47) as the legal basis for these public designations. Furthermore, spouses of some designated individuals also face entry restrictions into the United States, as per the same provisions.
The Department is also designating Among’s spouse, Moses Magogo Hassim; Kitutu’s spouse, Michael George Kitutu; and Lugolobi’s spouse, Evelyne Nakimera; they also are generally ineligible for entry into the United States.
The visa restrictions on other Ugandan individuals are enacted under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, following a policy expansion by Secretary Blinken in December 2023.
