This archive report was first published on 14 September 2019.
September 14, 2019, marked a significant day for Uganda's former police chief, Edward Kalekezi Kayihura Muhwezi, as the U.S. Department of State imposed sanctions on him.
The sanctions were announced in a statement released on Friday, citing Muhwezi's alleged links to incidents of gross violations of human rights.
According to Sigal Mandelker, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Muhwezi used corruption and bribery to strengthen his political position, while units under his command committed serious human rights abuses.
As a result of the sanctions, Muhwezi will be prohibited from traveling to the U.S. and will also have no access to his property there.
Notably, Muhwezi served as the Inspector-General of Police in Uganda between 2005 and March 2018, a tenure marked by controversy and allegations of human rights abuses.
He was reportedly behind the clampdown on protesters and the authorization of the detention of political adversaries for 13 years.
