Former U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, a 71-year-old Democrat from New Jersey, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for bribery and corruption.
Menendez, once a key advocate for sanctions against Uganda, was found guilty of federal charges, including extortion, obstruction of justice, and accepting bribes from businessmen linked to Egypt and Qatar.
His conviction followed the discovery of gold bars, nearly $500,000 in cash, and a luxury Mercedes-Benz convertible at his home during an FBI raid.
Prosecutors argued that Menendez used his political influence to benefit his associates, interfere in legal proceedings, and act as an agent for foreign governments.
Sanctions on Uganda and Political Ties
Menendez was a strong critic of Uganda’s government, calling for sanctions against its officials in 2021 over alleged human rights violations.
He urged the Biden administration to exclude President Yoweri Museveni from the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, though Museveni ultimately attended.
Menendez also had ties to Uganda’s National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Following the sentencing, NUP deputy spokesperson Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro stated that Kyagulanyi and the party had previously worked with Menendez but respected the legal process.
“NUP advocates for the rule of law, and if the law has taken its course, we have no issue with that,” he said.
Menendez’s Response and Appeal Plans
During the sentencing, Judge Sidney Stein criticized Menendez, saying, “Somewhere along the way, you lost your way.
Working for the public good became working for your good.” Menendez, who formerly chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has denied wrongdoing and vowed to appeal, calling the case a “witch hunt.”
He also aligned himself with former President Donald Trump, stating, “This process is political and corrupted to the core. I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores integrity to the system.”
Menendez’s defense sought leniency, citing his decades of public service and his role as a father to a son with autism.
His wife, Nadine Menendez, who is facing related charges, will stand trial separately due to her ongoing breast cancer treatment.
Despite his conviction, Menendez was not immediately taken into custody and is expected to appeal the verdict.
