US considering sanctions for Uganda over Anti-Gay bill

WASHINGTON, USA

United States President, Joe Biden, has announced that the United States is considering applying sanctions on Uganda after they signed an anti-gay bill into law.

In a statement dated May 29, President Biden condemned the enactment terming it as a "democratic backsliding", adding that it risks denying Ugandans services they benefit from the U.S.

"This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda," reads part of the statement.

As a consequence, therefore, President Biden stated that he has directed the respective authorities to assess all the implications of the law.

He added that the US is also considering restricting travel against anyone seeking to jet into the Western economic hub.

"I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments," noted Biden.

He added: "My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)."  

"And we are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption."

Biden further expressed optimism that the enactment will be reviewed to avoid jeopardizing the 60-year partnership they have had with Uganda.

"In total, the U.S. Government invests nearly $1 billion annually in Uganda’s people, business, institutions, and military to advance our common agenda. The scale of our commitments speaks to the value we place on this partnership—and our faith in the people of Uganda to build for themselves a better future," he said.

"It is my sincere hope that we can continue to build on this progress, together, and strengthen protections for the human rights of people everywhere."

The bill, which was assented into law on Monday by President Yoweri Museveni, enjoys broad public support in Uganda but has faced harsh criticism from the U.S., European Union and international human rights groups.