Lawyer petitions EU to sanction Speaker Among over corruption allegations
Lawyer Innocent Ainebyona (small frame) seeks international pressure to hold Ugandan Speaker Anita Annet Among accountable for corruption (PHOTO/Courtesy).KAMPALA – Innocent Ainebyona, a Ugandan lawyer and human rights activist, has petitioned the European Union Delegation to Uganda to impose sanctions on Speaker of Uganda’s Parliament, Anita Among. In his petition, Ainebyona alleges that Among has been involved in numerous corruption scandals, accumulating wealth and assets through illicit means.“As you are aware, Conventional corruption occurs when government officials illegitimately receive or accumulate an undue advantage for their own personal use disregarding public interest. The Rt. Hon. Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda to wit Anita Annet Among has been involved in a number of corruption scandals displaying all signs of a conventional corrupt official in Uganda.”Ainebyona cites Among’s lifestyle audit, which reveals a pattern of extravagant spending, including purchases from high-end UK Royal boutiques. He also points to her ownership of multiple assets, despite Uganda’s struggling economy and poor service delivery. These actions, Ainebyona argues, demonstrate Among’s disregard for public interest and her prioritization of personal gain.“Currently, she purchases her garments from the United Kingdom Royal boutiques and also owns a number of assets despite the inefficiencies in service delivery in Uganda. It’s on record that she’s the champion of shielding, protecting or defending corrupt Members of Parliament who are even charged before the Anti-corruption court of Uganda.”Furthermore, Ainebyona accuses Among of shielding corrupt Members of Parliament, protecting them from accountability and perpetuating a culture of impunity. He claims that she has used her position to silence critics and opponents, creating a climate of fear and intimidation.Ainebyona’s petition requests that the EU impose travel bans on Among, freeze her properties and bank accounts, and hold her accountable for her actions. He believes that these measures will help to combat corruption and promote transparency in Uganda.The petition comes on the heels of similar sanctions imposed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in May 2024. The UAE sanctioned Among, along with two former ministers, Mary Goretti Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu, for embezzling funds from a government project. The UAE instructed financial institutions not to deal with the trio and froze their properties.Among has dismissed the UK sanctions as “politically motivated” and a “witch-hunt” for her support of the Anti-Homosexuality Act. However, the UAE’s sanctions contradict her claim, as the country is a strong opponent of homosexuality.Ainebyona’s petition highlights the need for international pressure to combat corruption in Uganda. By holding leaders accountable for their actions, the EU and other nations can help to promote transparency and good governance in the country.Relatedhttps://www.pmldaily.com/news/2024/09/lawyer-petitions-eu-to-sanction-speaker-among-over-corruption-allegations.html
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum