The United Kingdom (UK) has sanctioned Ugandan politicians that were involved in the Karamoja iron sheets scandal. The implicated persons will be subjected to travel bans and asset freezes under the UK global anti-corruption sanctions regime.

According to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the UK Deputy Foreign Secretary, Andrew John Bower Mitchell, announced on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, sanctions on three Ugandan politicians who were involved in the Karamoja iron sheets saga, which was termed a high form of corruption.

“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,” Mitchell said.

The three politicians, who include Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among; former Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu; and State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Agnes Nandutu, were in 2023 accused of stealing thousands of iron sheets meant for a Ugandan government-funded project aimed at housing some of the most vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region.

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.

The sheets of corrugated iron roofing were earmarked for low-cost housing in Karamoja, an underdeveloped and lawless region bordering Kenya and South Sudan.

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