In a recent address to the nation, President Museveni expressed his appreciation for the collaborative relationship between the Executive and the 11th Parliament, led by Speaker Anita Among. He acknowledged that in the past, some individuals had attempted to use Parliament to undermine the Executive, but commended the current leadership for their harmonious working relationship.
President Museveni specifically praised Speaker Among, Deputy Speaker, and NRM MPs for their cooperation, stating that it was a significant departure from the past tendency of some actors trying to use Parliament to undermine the government. He noted that this previous approach was not only provocative but also a miscalculation, which was handled peacefully.
The President’s praise for Speaker Among comes despite criticism from human rights activists and pro-gay groups over her role in passing the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023. The law has been deemed one of the harshest in the world against same-sex relations, and has been seen as an obstacle to marginalized groups accessing critical services, including healthcare.
Speaker Among has faced sanctions from the United States of America, along with two former ministers, Dr. Mary Gorreti Kitutu and Ms. Agness Nandutu, over corruption allegations. However, she has repeatedly denied these allegations, stating that they are a smokescreen by the West and that she has been targeted due to her role in presiding over the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Despite the criticism, President Museveni’s appreciation for Speaker Among’s leadership suggests a strong working relationship between the Executive and Parliament. The President’s comments also highlight the complex dynamics at play in Ugandan politics, where issues of human rights, governance, and international relations intersect. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Speaker Among will navigate these challenges and maintain her position as a key player in Ugandan politics.
The United Kingdom’s decision to impose sanctions on Speaker Anita Among has sparked intense debate and scrutiny in Uganda and beyond. The sanctions, announced in April 2024, target Among and two former ministers, Dr. Mary Gorreti Kitutu and Ms. Agness Nandutu, citing corruption allegations and human rights violations.
The UK’s move is significant, as it marks a rare instance of a Western power taking concrete action against Ugandan officials accused of corruption and human rights abuses. The sanctions are also notable for their specific targeting of Among, who has been a key figure in Uganda’s political landscape since her appointment as Speaker in 2021.
The UK’s sanctions are centered on Among’s role in presiding over the passage of the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which prescribes harsh penalties for same-sex relations, including life imprisonment. Human rights activists and pro-gay groups have condemned the law as one of the world’s harshest, and have accused Among of facilitating its passage.
In addition to her role in the Anti-Homosexuality Act, Among has faced criticism for her handling of parliamentary affairs, including allegations of corruption and embezzlement. The UK’s sanctions appear to be a response to these concerns, with the British government citing “credible evidence” of Among’s involvement in corrupt activities.
The sanctions themselves consist of travel bans and asset freezes, aimed at limiting Among’s ability to travel to the UK and access her assets in the country. The move is seen as a significant blow to Among’s international reputation, and may limit her ability to engage with Western governments and international organizations.
Uganda’s government has responded to the sanctions with defiance, with President Museveni dismissing the move as “interference” in Uganda’s internal affairs. Among herself has denied the corruption allegations, stating that they are a “smokescreen” by the West to undermine her role in passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
The sanctions have also sparked debate within Uganda, with some opposition figures hailing the move as a long-overdue response to corruption and human rights abuses. However, others have criticized the sanctions as an infringement on Uganda’s sovereignty, and have accused the UK of hypocrisy in its selective targeting of Ugandan officials.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the UK’s sanctions will have a significant impact on Among’s position or Uganda’s political landscape more broadly. However, the move has already sent a clear message that Western powers are willing to take concrete action against officials accused of corruption and human rights abuses, and may mark a shift in the international community’s approach to Uganda’s government.
