The United Kingdom has sanctioned three Ugandan politicians, including the Speaker of the Parliament, for stealing thousands of iron sheets used in roofing and other infrastructure in a government-funded project, a UK press release stated.
The sanctions also include two former ministers responsible for the region where the fraud took place in Karamoja. The UK government says that over 60% of people in Karamoja live in poverty and many suffer from the devastating impacts of drought and insecurity. The newly sanctioned individuals are accused of stealing the iron sheets from a project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the region, providing them to prominent politicians and their families instead.
The Speaker of the Parliament, Anita Annet Among, was also among those sanctioned for benefiting from the proceeds. Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, said: “The actions of these individuals, in taking aid from those who need it most, and keeping the proceeds, is corruption at its worst and has no place in society. The Ugandan courts are rightly taking action to crack down on those politicians who seek to line their own pockets at their constituents’ expense. Today the UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefiting at the expense of others is acceptable. Corruption has consequences and you will be held responsible.”
The sanctions were announced on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, by the UK government.