“America Isn’t The Only Country , We Can Go To China And Other States” Museveni Government Responds To USA’s Fresh VISA Restrictions

Uganda has strongly criticized the recent extension of visa restrictions imposed by the United States on its officials, interpreting it as an attempt by Washington to advocate for an “LGBT agenda” in Africa.

The new sanctions, disclosed earlier this week, target unidentified Ugandan individuals accused by the U.S. of subverting democracy and oppressing marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ community.Henry Okello Oryem, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, asserted that Uganda would stand firm on its adoption of a specific law.

He told AFP that certain groups in the U.S. and the West seek to influence Africans and Ugandans to accept same-sex relations through aid and loans.In an interview with Reuters, Oryem questioned the absence of similar sanctions on Middle Eastern countries with comparable or stricter laws against the LGBTQ community.

He mentioned that if the U.S. denies visas to Ugandan MPs, they would consider alternative destinations like Shanghai or Guangzhou, highlighting various attractive places to visit.The initial visa restrictions were imposed by the U.S. in June in response to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act. Subsequently, the World Bank halted new lending to Uganda in August following the U.S. restrictions.

In late October, the U.S. announced Uganda’s exclusion from AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) starting January 2024.Uganda’s law imposes severe penalties on those engaged in homosexual relations or promoting homosexuality, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” though it hasn’t been enforced for years.

Recently, the U.S. expanded visa restrictions, affecting over 300 Members of Parliament and their families due to their support of the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act. Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended the sanctions beyond those compromising Uganda’s democratic processes, now including individuals linked to repression against marginalized communities, activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.

The expansion also covers immediate family members of these individuals.Blinken emphasized that the expanded restrictions apply to current or former Ugandan officials believed to be responsible for undermining marginalized populations. This includes environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers.

The sanctions now also target politicians involved in the 2021 general elections, irrespective of their current or past cabinet positions.This unprecedented extension of restrictions to encompass family members represents a significant diplomatic step against Ugandan officials, with profound implications within Uganda’s political circles.

For instance, when the Act was ratified in May 2023, Speaker of Parliament Anita Amongi had her U.S. and U.K. visas abruptly revoked, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of these measures.