UK imposes sanctions on Ugandan politicians including the Speaker of Parliament following corruption charges for stealing from the poorest communities in Uganda; This is the first time the UK has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda; New sanctions are part of the UK’s continued effort to crack down on serious corruption around the world.  

Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew Mitchell, has announced sanctions on high profile Ugandan politicians charged with corruption, and the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, today (30 April). 

It is the first time the UK government has used the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime on individuals involved in corruption in Uganda.  

The three individuals, two of whom were previously ministers responsible for Uganda’s poorest region, Karamoja, and have been charged with corruption at Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court, will be subject to travel bans and asset freezes. 

The two former ministers sanctioned – Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu – stole thousands of iron sheets used for roofing and infrastructure from a Ugandan government-funded 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, benefited from the proceeds.

Over 60% of people in Karamoja live in poverty and many suffer from the devastating impacts of drought and insecurity.

 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 three individuals sanctioned:  

Anita Annet Among, who has been the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda since 2022.
Mary Goretti Kitutu, who was the Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024.
Agnes Nandutu, who was the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs between 2021 and 2024.  

These measures follow previous UK sanctions under the Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime, which has targeted individuals involved in serious corruption cases across the world, including Bulgaria, Lebanon, Moldova, Russia, South Africa, South Sudan, and Venezuela. 

Since its introduction in April 2021, the UK has introduced sanctions on 42 individuals and entities under this regime globally to combat corruption across the world. 

Background

An asset freeze prevents any UK citizen, or any business in the UK, from dealing with any funds or economic resources which are owned, held or controlled by the designated person and which are held in the UK. It will also prevent funds or economic resources being provided to or for the benefit of the designated person or entity 

A travel ban means that the designated person is an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971, and must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom (any leave given to a person who is an excluded person is invalid). 

Under the UK’s Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regulations 2021, individuals and entities anywhere in the world can be sanctioned for their involvement in bribery or misappropriation of property involving a foreign public official.  

This could include those who facilitate, profit from or try to cover up serious corruption, as well as making efforts to prevent authorities from carrying out justice for these actions. 

UK Aid was not involved in the Ugandan Government project.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

A 21-year-old man is rejoicing after receiving free surgery from a charity to remove a tumor that had grown to half the size of his face.

Papa from Western Senegal was just a teenager when he noticed a small lump in his mouth. But despite hospital staff telling him it was just toothache and would heal, it continued to grow, causing him pain and partially blocking his sight.

The expanding mandibular tumor, a non-cancerous growth originating from tissue in his jaw, jeopardized both the promising motorbike mechanic’s health as well as his future prospects as a professional mechanic.

His father, Toure, said the growth left Papa in constant pain and affected his self-esteem.

Toure said: “He was going through a tough situation as a young man who is supposed to enjoy his life. Seeing your childhood friends in good health while you’re disabled is very embarrassing for a child.” 

Papa’s family worked hard to raise enough funds to afford the surgery in a hospital, a challenging task for families where they live. A 2021 study that took place in four sub-Saharan African nations found that 60-90 percent of patients in need of surgery would face ‘catastrophic’ costs if they went through with the operation.

But just as the operation was about to begin, there was a power cut. Power outages are commonplace where he lives but the experience at that critical moment left Papa with a newfound fear. Afraid the power might falter again during surgery, he reluctantly deferred. 

Aged 21, Papa struggled on with an uncertain future. Although he dedicated his working life to mending and reviving motorbikes, he was finding it harder dealing with the physical pain and discomfort. He fought on as he prided himself on being able to help his parents and support his younger siblings by running a motorbike repair shop with a friend where he provides essential services and trains young men who want to learn the trade.

He said: “Fixing bikes has always been a passion for me since I was a child. This work has a lot of physical demands; it is harder to do with a tumor in the way.”

Then in 2022, his friend read online that international aid charity Mercy Ships’ newest hospital vessel, the Global Mercy™, would sail to Senegal to provide safe, free surgical care to people in need. 

Papa visited a nearby hospital where a Mercy Ships volunteer medical team was conducting screenings for patients.   

Memories of his previous experience lingered, leaving Papa grappling with conflicting emotions when he was approved for the surgery.

He said: “I was afraid, but I trusted God.”

As he woke from surgery, Papa could tell immediately the operation had gone ahead successfully – his vision was unobstructed for the first time in years.

He said: “When I woke up, I didn’t touch it, but I felt the tumor had gone because before, the tumor blocked my sight.”

His surgery involved removing part of his jawbone where the tumor was growing. The volunteer surgeons then reconstructed his jaw using a metal plate.  

Papa spent weeks recovering in the hospital wards, finding connection with fellow patients and crew members through activities like crafts. “I even made bracelets by myself; I learned it while in hospital. The nurses taught me how to do it,” Papa remembered. 

Paul Kangethe, a volunteer ward nurse from the United States, cared for Papa post-surgery. He observed that as Papa’s physical healing was underway, the transformation became more than just skin-deep.  

Paul said: “The first day after surgery, he was quiet, staying in bed, not interacting, not talking much. But as the days progressed, he was much more interactive and active. It seemed he was much more comfortable talking and sharing.”  

Papa’s friend expressed gratitude when he returned home, healthy and hopeful. He said: “What you’ve done isn’t just for Papa, but also for the community. We were all worried about him. His tumor is gone now, and his health, dignity, and joy are restored. You did this for Papa and the entire city.”

With his future now secured after years of uncertainty, Papa said after his surgery:

“I want to go back to work and spend time with my parents and siblings. I’m also young and would like to marry and have my own family.” 

Volunteers transformed Papa’s life. Find out more about how you can be a part of the transformative work happening on board at Volunteer Opportunities (https://apo-opa.co/3H1pIz5) (MercyShips.org)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.