On Friday, Ugandan authorities rejected new U.S. sanctions imposed due to alleged significant corruption and gross human rights violations, asserting that the sanctions unfairly target Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and other officials who supported the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Law.
The U.S. State Department announced travel and financial sanctions on Thursday against Among, accusing her of significant corruption related to her leadership role.
Additionally, Ministers Amos Lugolobi, Agnes Nandutu, and Mary Goretti Gitutu were sanctioned for allegedly misappropriating public resources meant for Uganda’s most vulnerable communities.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Oryem Okello contended that the sanctioned ministers are currently facing Ugandan courts, which have not yet ruled on the cases.
The sanctions also include Lieutenant General Peter Elwelu for his involvement in deadly clashes between Ugandan security forces and a local militant group.
Okello argued that the U.S. sanctions primarily target Among. “My belief is that this is an insult and undermines our judicial system,” Okello said. “The sanctions are unjust.
They are punitive and bullish because they know that we cannot do anything against it. It’s just a deliberate attempt to punish the speaker for her role and leadership in fighting LGBTQ and homosexuality in Uganda.”
The U.S. State Department emphasized its support for Ugandans advocating for democratic principles, a government serving all citizens, and accountability for corruption and human rights abuses.
Political analyst Mary Anne Nanfuka remarked that the targeted officials are not acting independently and suggested that sanctions are ineffective as deterrents.
“These Western countries want to pander to their electorate,” Nanfuka said. “They need the government’s cooperation in certain areas, so they will eventually let it pass. Yes, it’s a gesture, but we are still not impressed.”
Chris Obore, head of public affairs in the Ugandan parliament, claimed that the corruption allegations are politically motivated and part of a vendetta. He argued that the entire Ugandan cabinet would have been targeted if the allegations were genuine.
