By Flavia Ajok
The US has tripled up on affixation of Speaker Anita Among’s breathing space, adding a six-inch nail in her political coffin with decisive sanctions.
Among’s husband Moses Magogo – who was convicted of 2014 FIFA World Cup ticket theft – is also affected by the tough designation that pulled bedsheets off spouses of at least three other affected officials.
The Speaker is, again, jointly sanctioned with the two former Karamoja Affairs ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu.
Matthew Miller, the State department spokesperson, added senior presidential advisor and former deputy Chief of Defence Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu to the list of designated Ugandan officials.
Kitutu and Nandutu were on April 30 sanctioned by the UK for their role in the theft of relief item.s meant for vulnerable Karamojong citizens.
The designation of Ms Among comes barely 12 hours after she involved scriptures that the truth will set her free and maintained that the UK sanctions and claims of her wealth were politically motivated.
The Speaker is, again, jointly sanctioned with the two former Karamoja Affairs ministers Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu.
The Department of State said it was designating five current and former Ugandan officials for their involvement in significant corruption or gross violations of human rights.
“Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is designated due to involvement in significant corruption tied to her leadership of Uganda’s Parliament,” Mr Miller said.
“Former Minister of Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kitutu, former Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu, and Minister of State for Finance Amos Lugolobi are being designated due to their involvement in significant corruption related to conduct that misused public resources and diverted materials from Uganda’s neediest communities.”
The US said all four officials abused their public positions for their personal benefit at the expense of Ugandans.
Gen Elwelu, Mr Miller added, is designated due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights.
