The United States has responded to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) and persistent human rights abuses by implementing a series of actions aimed at promoting accountability and safeguarding the rights of marginalized populations.
The White House issued a statement on December 11, 2023, outlining the measures taken in light of the deteriorating human rights situation in Uganda.
President Biden, condemning the AHA as a tragic violation of universal human rights, called for the immediate repeal of the act and urged the Ugandan government to respect the rights of all its citizens.
The statement highlighted the concerning trend of democratic erosion in Uganda, with reports of increased civic and political restrictions, evictions, vigilante attacks, and police harassment against individuals perceived to be LGBTQI+.
To address these issues, the United States has initiated a comprehensive review of its engagement with the Government of Uganda. The actions taken so far include:
1. Restricting Entry to the United States: Secretary of State Blinken announced an expansion of visa restrictions targeting individuals believed to be undermining the democratic process or involved in repressing marginalized populations, including LGBTQI+ persons and activists.
2. Sanctions: The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned Johnson Byabashaija, Commissioner General of the Uganda Prisons Service, for human rights abuses committed under his leadership.
3. Ending AGOA Eligibility: Uganda was notified that it would lose eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act benefits unless it publicly releases an action plan addressing human rights concerns and repeals the AHA.
4. Reducing Support to the Government: The United States is curtailing direct government-to-government funding and redirecting assistance from the Department of Defense and PEPFAR due to concerns over the impact of the AHA on discriminatory practices.
5. Business Advisory: Various U.S. departments released a business advisory to highlight increased risks for U.S. businesses, individuals, and organizations operating in Uganda.
6. Travel Advisory: The Department of State issued a travel advisory emphasizing the potential prosecution and imprisonment of LGBTQI+ individuals and advocates in Uganda.
7. Advocating for Social Safeguards in World Bank Lending: The U.S. supported World Bank actions to promote equal access and protections for vulnerable groups in Uganda.
Despite these measures, the U.S. remains committed to supporting the Ugandan people. Humanitarian and development assistance programs will continue without discrimination, ensuring support for vulnerable communities. The U.S. Government will also mobilize private sector capital for sustainable development and provide emergency assistance to LGBTQI+ human rights defenders and organizations in Uganda.
The United States emphasizes its commitment to monitoring program implementation and assistance, ensuring zero tolerance for discrimination, and taking immediate action to promote human rights and accountability in Uganda. The situation will be closely monitored, and further steps may be taken to address the ongoing human rights concerns in the country.
