By Francis Lubega
3rd May 2024
The Parliament of Uganda has rejected a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the sanctions imposed by the UK government against the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
The UK Government this week issued sanctions against the Speaker and other two former ministers; Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu on allegations of involvement in corruption.
The rejection of the statement came after the State Minister for Regional Cooperation, John Mulimba informed Parliament that the Foreign Affairs Ministry is in the process of engaging the British High Commission in Uganda mindful of the sovereignty of each state.
However, the statement wasn’t convincing, raising concern from MPs demanding respect from the UK Government.
This led to a proposal by Sheema Municipality MP Dickson Kateshumbwa asking the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the UK Ambassador to Uganda to substantiate the basis of the sanctions.
It’s from this that the Speaker tasked the Foreign Affairs Ministry to revise their statement and act immediately on the sanctions and report back to Parliament with a comprehensive report.
Among, says she is neither moved nor intimidated by the sanctions and denied owning any properties in the UK.
She said that the sanctions are politically motivated in reaction to the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act by Parliament.
The debate also led to the Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Ssenyonyi to challenge the Speaker Among for claiming not to be bothered by the sanctions but at the same time she is rallying MPs to support her position against the sanctions.
Speaker Among, in a separate statement, vehemently denied the UK’s accusations. She claimed the sanctions stemmed from her support for Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law heavily criticized by the UK.
Among, downplayed the sanctions’ impact, stating she has no plans to travel to the UK and doesn’t own property there.
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