US imposes sanctions on Uganda’s intelligence chief
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The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Uganda’s military intelligence chief, Major General Abel Kandiho, over allegations of human rights abuses by his troops.
The Ugandan military says it is “deeply saddened” by the decision and is seeking clarification from Washington, which in recent years has been a security ally in East Africa.
The finance ministry announced the sanctions, along with other measures against Iranian and Syrian officials who it says are also involved in suppressing and undermining democracy in those countries.
The Treasury Department has imposed a series of sanctions this week ahead of President Joe Biden’s U.S. Democratic convention, targeting people it deems to be involved in corruption, human rights abuses and undermining democracy.
“Military intelligence officers have arrested and tortured Ugandans” because of their ethnicity, political views, or criticism of the Ugandan government, and in some cases, Kandiho has been personally involved, leading interrogations” the statement said.
The US sanctions freeze Gendi Kandiho’s assets and generally prohibit Americans from dealing with them.
A statement from the Ugandan military said it was “saddened” by the US action.
“We regret that such a decision is taken by a country that we consider a great friend and ally, without due process,” a statement from the Ugandan military said.
