The President of the United States of America Joe Biden has reacted to the anti-gay law signed by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni on May 29.
Biden says the US is considering applying sanctions on the country.
President Biden in a statement dated May 29 condemned the enactment, saying it is “democratic backsliding”.
He further announced that Uganda’s decision to sign the anti-gay bill risks them being denied services they benefit from the U.S.
“This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda,” reads part of the statement.
Consequently, President Biden said he has directed respective authorities to evaluate all the implications of the law.
“I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments,” noted Biden.
He further noted that United States is considering restricting travel against anyone looking to travel into the country.
“And we are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption.”
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He added: “My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).”
Nonetheless, President Biden expressed optimism that the enactment will be reviewed to avoid threatening the 60-year partnership they have had with Uganda.
“In total, the U.S. Government invests nearly $1 billion annually in Uganda’s people, business, institutions, and military to advance our common agenda. The scale of our commitments speaks to the value we place on this partnership—and our faith in the people of Uganda to build for themselves a better future,” he said.
The anti-gay bill, which was enacted into law on Monday, May 29 by President Yoweri Museveni, has the support of a larger population in Uganda. However, it has faced harsh criticism from the U.S., European Union, and international human rights groups.
