US Bans Entry of 8 Top Ugandan Officials for Corruption
The United States Department has prohibited Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and seven other Ugandan officials from entering the country, citing “significant corruption and gross violations” of human rights.
The barred officials include Ms. Among’s husband, Moses Magogo; Minister of State for Finance Amos Lugoloobi; former Minister of Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kitutu; former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Agness Nandutu; and former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Peter Elwelu.
Sanctions were also placed on Ms. Kitutu’s spouse Michael George Kitutu and Lugoloobi’s spouse, Evelyne Nakimera, due to the actions of their partners. “Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is designated due to involvement in significant corruption tied to her leadership of Uganda’s Parliament,” stated Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Ms. Kitutu, Ms. Nandutu, and Mr. Lugoloobi face sanctions for their alleged significant corruption, including the misuse of public resources and diverting materials from Uganda’s neediest communities.
“All four officials (Ms. Among, Ms. Kitutu, Ms. Nandutu, and Mr. Lugoloobi) abused their public positions for personal gain at the expense of Ugandans,” added Mr. Miller.
Lt Gen Elwelu received sanctions for his involvement in severe human rights violations, specifically commanding UPDF forces in extrajudicial killings. As a result, the sanctioned officials are barred from entering the United States.
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The Department is preparing to impose further visa restrictions on additional Ugandan officials for undermining the democratic process and repressing marginalized or vulnerable populations in Uganda.
These officials are allegedly responsible for suppressing political opposition, civil society organizers, and vulnerable communities in Uganda.
“The United States supports Ugandans advocating for democratic principles, accountable governance, and action against corruption and human rights abuses. Impunity keeps corrupt officials in power, hinders development, facilitates crime, and causes unequal resource distribution,” Mr. Miller continued.
Sanctions under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, reaffirm the U.S. commitment to transparency in Uganda’s democratic processes, fighting global corruption, and addressing impunity that hinders human rights and freedoms.
“Additional visa restrictions on other Ugandan individuals are being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, following the policy expansion by Secretary Blinken in December 2023.”
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, welcomed the sanctions. “We urge the civilized world to not ignore the impunity of the Museveni regime,” he stated.
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“We hope more individuals and organizations responsible for our people’s suffering will be sanctioned. This sends a clear message that accountability is inevitable,” he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The U.S. sanctions follow recent travel bans and asset freezes by the United Kingdom against Ms. Among, Ms. Kitutu, and Ms. Nandutu.
On April 30, the UK government invoked the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime against Ms. Among, Ms. Kitutu, and Ms. Nandutu for their involvement in the iron sheets (mabaati) theft scandal, along with 42 other individuals from various countries.
“Among, while Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Bukedea District, engaged in serious corruption,” reads the UK’s financial sanctions list by the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation.
Speaker Among labeled the sanctions as “politically motivated” due to her stance on homosexuality, particularly the Anti-Homosexuality law, and vowed to stand firm.
US Bans Entry of 8 Top Ugandan Officials for Corruption