Inside the UK Sanctions against Speaker Among, Kitutu and Nandutu over Karamoja Ironsheets

Kampala, (UG):- The United Kingdom has announced sanctions against Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Among and two former ministers; Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu accusing them of “stealing from the poorest communities in Uganda.”

In a statement published by the UK Government website on Tuesday, the Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell said the new sanctions are part of the UK’s continued effort to crack down on serious corruption around the world.

The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes.

“The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead,” the statement reads in part.

“The actions of these individuals, in taking aid from those who need it most, and keeping the proceeds, is corruption at its worst and has no place in society. The Ugandan courts are rightly taking action to crack down on those politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense,” the statement adds.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Anita Annet Among, benefited from the proceeds, according to the statement from UK.

Mr Mitchell said the sanctions come as a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable.

“Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible,” he said.

The three individuals sanctioned:

• Anita Annet Among, who has been the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda since 2022.
• Mary Goretti Kitutu, who was the Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024.
• Agnes Nandutu, who was the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024.

These measures follow previous UK sanctions under the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, which has targeted individuals involved in serious corruption cases across the world, including Bulgaria, Lebanon, Moldova, Russia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Venezuela.

The sanctions mean Speaker Among, Ms Kitutu and Ms Nandutu will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes, among other restrictions.

This is the first time the UK has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals suspected of being involved in corruption in Uganda.