By Spy Uganda
Kampala: President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gen. Odongo, to contact UK authorities regarding the source of their claim that Speaker Anita Among owns assets in the United Kingdom.
President Museveni’s directive follows the British Government’s recent corruption-related sanctions against Speaker Among and two former ministers, Dr. Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu (Minister for Karamoja and State Minister respectively), for alleged theft from the poor.
In his letter dated 11, May 2024, President Museveni said he had received information from Deputy IGG Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, stating that Speaker Among did not disclose owning house/houses in the UK. Among has also personally denied having any property in the UK.
“I have received a letter from Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, Deputy Inspector General of Government, of the 9th of May, 2024, informing me that the Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among never revealed that she had a house in United Kingdom. Rt.Hon. Among has told me that she does not own a house or houses in UK” Museveni said in his letter.
“Therefore, working with the Attorney-General, write an appropriate letter to the relevant authorities in UK to demand the source of their information. They cannot falsely accuse any of our people and we just let it pass,” he added.
The UK on April 30 imposed asset freezes and travel bans on Speaker Among and two former ministers for Karamoja Affairs, Kitutu and Nandutu over corruption allegations.
UK alleged that Kitutu and Nandutu had stolen thousands of iron sheets from a government-funded housing project aimed at helping vulnerable communities in Karamoja while Among had benefited from the proceeds of the theft, London’s statement added.
“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,” Britain’s deputy foreign minister Andrew Mitchell said in a statement.
“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 statement added.
Following the development, Speaker Among dismissed the sanctions, describing them as “politically motivated” and a “witch-hunt” against her reputation for her significant role in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act last year further noting that she is not threatened by such actions.
“I’m carrying a cross for 48 million Ugandans because of the Anti-Homosexuality Act we passed in 2023. ” I don’t have any properties in UK, not even a pussycat, go ahead and freeze them, and see if I will complain.” Speaker Among said.
