Kampala, (UG):- A Ugandan lawyer, Joshua Okello has in a maverick move dragged the United States government to court seeking an overturn of the recently imposed sanctions by the US on Uganda’s House Speaker Anita Among.
In his multi-page lawsuit, a copy of which DailyExpress has seen, Okello seeks declarations and orders that the sanctions were unlawful and violated Uganda’s sovereignty.
In his case filed in the High Court of Uganda, Civil Division, under Miscellaneous Cause No. 38 of 2024, Okello is determined to get multiple declarations and orders, asserting that the sanctions, which include travel bans and asset freezes, are unwarranted and infringe on Uganda’s sovereignty.
The Soroti-based lawyer argues that the sanctions were based on false allegations and that the US has no right to meddle in Uganda’s internal affairs. He further claims that the imposed sanctions violate Uganda’s sovereignty and are discriminatory.
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The youthful barrister also argues that the US Senator Bob Menendez who pushed for the sanctions against the Speaker based on false allegations, and that Among has never faced corruption charges in any court of law.
It should be recalled that in May 2024, the US Department of State imposed sanctions on Among, citing “significant corruption and gross violations” of human rights, particularly referencing Uganda’s anti-homosexuality law.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the sanctions were a response to abuses against LGBTQI+ individuals and Uganda’s enactment of the law criminalizing the promotion of homosexuality.
However, Okello in his affidavit emphasizes that foreign partners, including the US, should respect Uganda’s sovereignty and refrain from influencing its local politics and policies. He further contends that the US actions are discriminatory and violate the principles of equity and good conscience.
The lawsuit further requests the court to prohibit the US government from imposing further sanctions on Ugandan officials and to mandate the respect of Uganda’s internal governance and legal decisions.
Okello, who is Hon Among’s diehard also recently sued the UK government over its sanctions on the Speaker. The case is filed at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France and fixed for hearing.
The outcome of these grand cases might have significant implications for Uganda’s diplomatic relations and internal political dynamics.
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