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Speaker of Parliament Anita Among says the sanctions instituted against her and two other ministers by the UK are politically motivated.

Speaking in Parliament during plenary on Friday, May 3, 2024, Among said she is carrying the cross for the 48 million Ugandans and blamed homosexuals for being behind the travel ban.

“All this I know is because of the anti-homosexual law that we passed as Parliament. This is the beginning and I know other things are coming under the pretext of corruption, theft, and others but we serve a living God. We shall not allow homosexuals to go against our values and cultures. If they want, let them go to their countries. The law is there and it will be implemented,” she said.

Among said she does not need a visa to go to the UK because she has a ‘permanent passport’ to Bukedea, her home district, and Buyende where her husband, Moses Magogo comes from.

She requested other countries to respect the sovereignty of other countries.

The British government last week alleged that ex-ministers Mary Kitutu and Agnes Nandutu had stolen thousands of iron sheets from a government-funded housing project aimed at helping vulnerable communities in the Karamoja region. It also alleged that Among had benefitted from the proceeds of the theft.

"The UK is sending a clear message to those who think benefitting 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.

Although the majority of the MPs rallied behind her and asked the UK government to respect the sovereignty of Uganda, MPs Ssemujju Nganda (Kira Municipality) and the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyoni demanded to know why Parliament was discussing the matter when she was 'not bothered'.

“You have said you don’t care, is there a need for the Government to issue a statement?” Ssemujju asked.

Ssenyonyi said: “You have said you are not bothered but you seem to be rallying us to join you to condemn the UK’s action".

Among told SSenyonyi that he should not be deceived that she was hurt by the sanctions.

“Don’t deceive yourself that I'm hurt. The Anita I know? being hurt over those sanctions? Forget,” she said.

Among, however, insisted that the foreign affairs ministry should present a statement in Parliament detailing actions taken by the Government on the matter.

Britain sanctioned Among, and two former ministers over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.

The sanctions involve travel bans and asset freezes under the UK's Global Anti-Corruption sanctions regime.

The sanctions were announced on the UK government’s official website.

Among, however, said she has no property or accounts in the UK, and if the government of the UK believes that they are there, let them go ahead and freeze them.