Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has expressed optimism that the recent election of Donald Trump as U.S. President will lead to the lifting of sanctions imposed on her and other Ugandan officials.
Addressing legislators on Wednesday, Among, who was sanctioned by the Biden administration in May 2024 over alleged corruption and human rights abuses, voiced confidence that Trump’s return to office could mark a shift in U.S.-Uganda relations.
“I want to assure members that no intimidation can ever move me away from where I am. I will always remain the smiling me,” Among stated. “And now that Trump has even won, those sanctions are gone.”
The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on Among and other Ugandan officials earlier this year, citing “significant corruption” linked to her leadership of Uganda’s parliament. The sanctions were part of a broader crackdown by the Biden administration targeting Ugandan officials accused of corruption and human rights abuses. Ugandan authorities, however, have consistently rejected these allegations, calling the sanctions politically motivated and an infringement on national sovereignty.
Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris has fueled hope among some Ugandan officials that U.S. foreign policy toward Uganda may soften. Known for his preference for direct engagement with African leaders during his first term, Trump’s approach contrasts with the Biden administration’s sanctions-driven policies aimed at promoting governance reforms and accountability on the continent.
Uganda’s government has previously criticized U.S. sanctions, arguing that issues related to governance and accountability should be addressed internally. Among’s remarks highlight a broader sentiment among some Ugandan leaders that Trump’s administration may respect the nation’s sovereignty more than Biden’s, potentially leading to the reversal of punitive measures.
The Trump administration’s stance on sanctions, however, remains unclear, and no official statement on Uganda’s sanctions has yet been made. As both nations navigate this new political landscape, observers will be closely watching for any shifts in U.S.-Uganda relations under Trump’s second term.
