Washington has taken a controversial step in response to Uganda’s recent adoption of an anti-gay law by imposing visa restrictions on individuals it accuses of undermining the democratic process.
The State Department released a statement on Friday, refraining from disclosing the identities of those targeted.
The United States intends to explore further actions aimed at ensuring accountability for Ugandan officials and individuals complicit in undermining democracy, violating human rights, including those of LGBTQI+ individuals, or engaging in corrupt practices.
Uganda’s controversial legislation, passed last month, imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty in certain cases, for engaging in same-sex relationships.
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Although widely condemned by human rights activists and international communities, the law enjoys considerable support within Uganda, particularly among religious leaders and lawmakers.
Advocates for LGBTQ rights emphasize that homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law that criminalizes sexual activities deemed to be “against the order of nature,” carrying a potential sentence of life imprisonment.
Criminalization of homosexuality is prevalent in over 30 out of Africa’s 54 countries, with some perceiving it as an imported behavior rather than a sexual orientation.
The US visa restrictions serve as a strong signal of disapproval towards Uganda’s recent legislative actions, aligning with broader efforts to promote equality, human rights, and inclusive societies worldwide.
