Overview:
President Joe Biden said the new law might affect Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act - (AGOA)
WASHINGTON – US President Joe Biden called for the immediate repeal of Uganda’s new Anti-Homosexuality Act and warned of possible sanctions in a statement Monday, as his administration evaluates “the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda.”
The US leaders threatened a raft of sanctions on Ugandan goods and said officials involved in pushing the bill that was signed into law by President Museveni on Sunday will be targeted with sanctions.
Biden called for the repeal of the Ugandan law and warned of significant action against the country.
In his statement, Biden said he directed his National Security Council to evaluate the implications of the law on U.S. engagement with Uganda, including whether the U.S. will continue to safely deliver services under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
Biden said the new law might affect Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
“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 added.
“I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong,” Biden wrote in the statement.
Biden pointed to the nearly $1 billion the United States invests annually in Uganda and said, “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. 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.”
President Museveni’s office said the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 was among six pieces of legislation the president signed into law on Sunday.
Lawmakers passed a new draft of the legislation earlier this month, vowing to resist what they said was outside interference in their efforts to protect Uganda’s values from Western immorality.