The United States (US) Department of State has sanctioned Speaker Anita Annet Among and her husband Moses Magogo over accrued wealth. Although the person accused is Among, the US said even her husband Magogo who also serves as President of Federation of Uganda’s Football Association (FUFA) is not allowed to set foot in US not even making financial transaction including owning property in its territory.
These sanctions come a month after United Kingdom (UK) sanctioned Among and two former ministers for Karamoja Mary Gorreti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu. These alongside the current Minister of State for Finance, Moses Lugolobi, are accused of stealing iron sheet meant for the neediest people in Karamoja.
Although UK did not sanction Lugolobi, the US has included him on the list as well former Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (/CDF), Lt Gen Peter Elwelu, who is accused of commanding Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in carrying out extra-judicial killings. Let Gen Elwelu is accused of commanding forces that killed more than 150 people in Kasese district during the attack on the palace of Rwenzuru kingdom in November, 2016.
The US and UK sanctions mean Among, Kitutu, Nandutu, Lugolobi and Elwelu cannot travel to these countries including territories under their control. Even making financial transaction with any financial institution associated to UK or US is no longer possible whether it is located in Uganda or outside their motherland.
UK had earlier accused Among of owning property in its territory something the latter has vehemently denied. However, UK ambassador in Uganda informed President Museveni about the property and US has already provided documents showing property ownership even though she still denies.