US threatens Uganda with sanctions if it does not repeal its anti-homosexuality law

US President Joe Biden on Monday called on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to immediately repeal the anti-homosexuality law and threatened to sanction the African country for “a tragic violation of universal human rights.”

“I join 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 lives or be subjected to violence and discrimination,” the president said in a statement.

Biden announced that he has directed the National Security Council to assess the implications of this law “on all aspects of the US engagement with Uganda”, including the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments.

“We are considering additional measures, including the application of sanctions and restrictions on entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption”, warned the president.

Museveni today approved a controversial law against homosexuality that includes long prison terms and the death penalty for some crimes, one of the strictest laws against the LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer) community

Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was introduced, Biden said, “reports of violence and discrimination against Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+” have increased;

“Innocent Ugandans now fear going to hospitals, clinics, or other facilities for vital medical care lest they face hate-filled reprisals,” the US president denounced.

Some have even been evicted from their homes or fired from their jobs and the prospect is for “more serious” threats to come. such as “long prison sentences, violence, abuse, and threats to many Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom”.

“This shameful law is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda,” said Biden, who said the dangers posed by this “democratic rollback ”are a threat to all who reside in Uganda, including US government personnel.

Biden recalled that US programs in the country “have boosted economic growth and production agriculture, increased investments in Ugandan companies, and strengthened our trade cooperation”.

In total, the US government invests nearly $1 billion a year in Uganda to advance the common agenda of the two countries.

“The scale of our commitments speaks to the value we place on this partnership and our faith in the people of Uganda to build themselves a better future. It is my sincere hope that we can continue to build on this progress, together, and strengthen the protection of the human rights of people everywhere,” the president concluded.