NAIROBI — The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, her husband, and several other officials, citing corruption and severe human rights abuses.
Parliament Speaker Anita Among was targeted with sanctions “due to involvement in significant corruption tied to her leadership” of Uganda’s national assembly, according to the U.S. State Department.
Among those sanctioned is Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, a former deputy chief of Uganda’s military, implicated in “extrajudicial killings” carried out by government troops. Additionally, three former government ministers were sanctioned for their roles in the misappropriation of roofing sheets intended for impoverished communities.
Anita Among, a prominent figure in Uganda’s ruling party and a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni, has recently faced scrutiny over the origins of her substantial wealth and allegations of misusing parliamentary resources. Last month, the United Kingdom also imposed sanctions on Among, citing similar corruption concerns.
The U.S. sanctions represent the latest international effort to pressure Uganda’s leadership over ongoing corruption and human rights issues. The State Department emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy to promote accountability and deter abusive practices in the East African nation.
Lt. Gen. Elwelu has long been a controversial figure, particularly over his role in several high-profile military operations. His inclusion in the sanctions list underscores the U.S. commitment to addressing extrajudicial actions by state forces, the department noted.
The sanctioned former ministers, whose names were not disclosed, were reportedly involved in a scandal where roofing sheets meant for aid were diverted, leaving many impoverished citizens without essential supplies.
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