Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has criticized the government for its perceived silence in response to the United Kingdom's sanctions against her over alleged corruption. Among, who also serves as the Bukedea Woman MP, along with former Karamoja ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, have been subjected to travel bans and asset freezes following their involvement in an iron sheets theft scandal.
The UK Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, announced the sanctions, alleging the involvement of several top government officials, including Vice President Jessica Alupo and Speaker Among, in diverting iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people of the Karamoja sub-region for personal gain. While criminal charges were pursued against only three ministers—Agnes Nandutu, Mary Goretti Kitutu, and Amos Lugoolobi—Speaker Among questioned the government's response to the sanctions.
During a plenary session on Friday, Among expressed her disappointment at the government's delayed response, emphasizing that the matter shouldn't be seen as an attack on her personally but as an attack against Uganda's sovereignty. She hinted that the sanctions might be retaliation for her role in passing the anti-homosexuality law in 2023 but stated her readiness to bear the consequences for the sake of Uganda.
Despite Among's defiant stance, a section of Ugandans took to social media using the hashtag #NotMyCross, urging her to take responsibility for her actions instead of citing the anti-gay law whenever issues of accountability arose. Among, however, dismissed the sanctions, stating that she doesn't even own property in the UK.
Amidst the controversy, Among called on the UK to respect other countries' values and cultures, emphasizing Uganda's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Chris Obore, director of communication and public affairs, criticized the UK's sanctions, questioning their basis since Among has neither been sued nor convicted of corruption in Uganda.
Responding to the sanctions, John Mulimba, Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Affairs, expressed the government's surprise at the UK's actions. Mulimba assured parliament that the government would engage with the British High Commission in Uganda and the UK government on the matter, emphasizing Uganda's commitment to upholding its sovereignty.
However, Members of Parliament criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its sluggish response to the UK's statement. Tororo North MP, Geoffrey Ekanya, called for more robust engagement, warning that the UK's actions could have repercussions for Uganda's standing in the Commonwealth.
As the debate over the UK sanctions continued, there appeared to be bipartisan support for Among, with MPs urging the government to address the matter swiftly and diplomatically to safeguard Uganda's interests.
The UK justified its sanctions, stating that corruption has consequences and those responsible will be held accountable. Despite the UK's stance, Uganda's response and the resolution of the standoff between the two countries remain uncertain.
