UGANDA – The United States has expanded visa ban on current or former Ugandan officials or others believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Uganda.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said the visa restriction policy has also been extended to the officials’ immediate families for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations.
“These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers. The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions,” the State Department said.
The visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
Blinken said the ban follows the initial visa policy announcement following Uganda’s flawed 2021 presidential elections targeting those the US believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda.
“At that time, I implored the Government of Uganda to significantly improve its record and hold accountable those responsible for flawed electoral processes, violence, and intimidation,” he said.
He, however, said the US stands by the Ugandan people and remains committed to working together to advance democracy, human rights, public health, and mutual prosperity.
“I once again strongly encourage the Government of Uganda to make concerted efforts to uphold democracy and to respect and protect human rights so that we may sustain the decades-long partnership between our countries that has benefited Americans and Ugandans alike,” he said.
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The move is expected to deteriorate the already damaged relations between the US and Uganda following the enactment of the anti-LGBTQ law in May 2023.
The law, described as world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ legislation was condemned by Western countries and local as well as international human rights organisations.
Amongst other provisions, the law stipulates capital punishment for “serial offenders” against the law and transmission of a terminal illness such as HIV-Aids through gay sex. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality.
As a result, the US-dominated World Bank in August announced the suspension of funding to Uganda over the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
The World Bank said Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act fundamentally contradicts its values, and that it believes its vision to eradicate poverty can only succeed if it includes everyone irrespective of race, gender, or sexuality.
“This law undermines those efforts. Inclusion and non-discrimination sit at the heart of our work around the world,” it said.
The World Bank had provided $5.4 billion in International Development Association financing to Uganda by the end of 2022, including many health and education projects that could be affected by the new law.
However, the government of Uganda condemned the Western response to the law, saying sanctions threats from donors amounted to “blackmail”.
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi rejected the condemnation, telling Reuters that they do not consider homosexuality as a constitutional right.
“It is just a sexual deviation which we do not promote as Ugandans and Africans,” he told Reuters.
President Yoweri Museveni criticised the decision and said Uganda would find alternative sources of credit, adding that the country was in fact trying to reduce borrowing. He said his government would not give in to pressure from foreign institutions.
“It is, therefore, unfortunate that the World Bank and other actors dare to want to coerce us into abandoning our faith, culture, principles and sovereignty, using money. They really underestimate all Africans,” he said.
In October, the US was back again, this time issuing a business advisory against Uganda, citing the anti-LGBTQ law and corruption.
The advisory by the Departments of State, Labor, Health and Human Services, Commerce, and USAID said businesses, organizations, and individuals should be aware of potential financial and reputational risks resulting from endemic corruption and violence against human rights activists, media, health workers, members of minority groups, LGBTQI+ persons and political opponents.
