Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among. Photo: File
Uganda Speaker Among Banned from US Over Corruption and Human Rights Violations
By Adonis Byemelwa
The US has imposed a travel ban on Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, along with four other senior officials, citing significant corruption and severe human rights abuses. The announcement was made on May 30, 2024, by the US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller.
“Speaker Anita Among is recognized for her involvement in major corruption linked to her leadership of the Ugandan Parliament,” Miller stated. He also named former Ministers of Karamoja, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, as well as Minister of State for Finance, Amos Lugolobi, accusing them of embezzling public funds for personal gain.
“These officials exploited their public offices for personal benefit at the expense of Ugandan citizens,” Miller added. Another key figure on the ban list is Peter Elwelu, the former Deputy Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), who is accused of grave human rights violations. “Elwelu was involved in extrajudicial killings conducted by UPDF forces under his command,” Miller explained.
The US has also implemented visa restrictions on additional Ugandan officials for undermining the democratic process and suppressing marginalized or at-risk groups. “These individuals are responsible for or complicit in oppressing members of Uganda’s political opposition, civil society activists, and minority communities,” Miller said.
The US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Mollel. Photo: Courtesy
The US expressed solidarity with Ugandans striving for democratic principles and inclusive governance. “America stands with Ugandans fighting for democratic values and a government that serves all its people,” the statement read.
The travel bans highlight the US’s commitment to transparency and anti-corruption efforts globally, particularly in Uganda, where entrenched corruption and lack of accountability continue to hinder progress.
“Today’s actions reaffirm the US’s resolve to support democratic processes in Uganda, combat global corruption, and address the broad culture of impunity that prevents all Ugandans from enjoying their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Miller emphasized.
In a related development, Speaker Among has accused the UK of falsifying claims regarding her ownership of property in the country. This follows a letter from President Yoweri Museveni, dated May 23, which leaked to the public, demanding an explanation from Among about the ownership of a flat at Silk House, 7 Waterden Road, London.
“I have received information contradicting your previous statements that you own a property in the UK. Do you own or rent this house?” Museveni questioned. He also instructed the Foreign Affairs Minister to verify these claims with the UK government.
In response, Among blamed the UK government for associating her with the alleged corruption. “If the UK claims I own property, they should specify which assets belong to me, Anita Annet Among. Forgery should be the last thing you expect from them,” she posted on her X account.
Earlier, on April 30, the UK had imposed international sanctions on Among and the former Karamoja Ministers, Kitutu and Nandutu, due to a scandal involving the theft of iron sheets.
The sanctions also affected officials from several other countries, including Zimbabwe, Honduras, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Colombia, Russia, Kosovo, Israel, Equatorial Guinea, and Lebanon.
Despite these sanctions, Among dismissed them as retaliation for Uganda’s recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. The ongoing sanctions and travel bans underscore the increasing scrutiny and international condemnation of the Museveni administration’s governance, marked by widespread corruption and human rights violations.
Corruption in Uganda has been a persistent issue, deeply embedded in various sectors of the government. According to Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023, Uganda ranked 142nd out of 180 countries, indicating a high level of perceived corruption.
This places Uganda among the most corrupt nations in Africa, where corruption continues to hinder economic growth and development.
Public funds are frequently misappropriated, and the lack of accountability mechanisms allows corrupt officials to operate with impunity. Bribery and nepotism are rampant, affecting the delivery of public services and the overall governance of the country. The judiciary, law enforcement, and public procurement sectors are particularly vulnerable to corrupt practices.
Civil society organizations and opposition parties in Uganda have repeatedly called for more stringent anti-corruption measures and greater transparency.
However, the government’s efforts have often been criticized as insufficient or merely symbolic. International bodies and donor countries have also expressed concerns, urging Uganda to implement effective reforms to combat corruption and improve governance.
The pervasive corruption undermines public trust in the government and hinders the country’s progress towards sustainable development and democratic integrity.
