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The United States said that it would refuse to grant visas to Ugandan officials who enforce a controversial anti-homosexuality law enacted in the East African country in May. The harsh law includes penalties up to and including the death sentence.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the measure would apply to Ugandan officials, both serving and former, and their family members if they are found to have played a role in the repression of members of marginalized or vulnerable populations. These groups include, among others, environmental defenders, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ people, and leaders of civil organizations.
In a statement issued, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he strongly encouraged the Ugandan government to make efforts to defend democracy and to respect and protect human rights. US President Joe Biden called for its immediate repeal and threatened to reduce US aid and investment in Uganda. The law provides for severe penalties, up to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, for people who have homosexual relations or promote homosexuality.
Although included in Ugandan legislation, the death penalty has not been applied for years. Ten years ago, Uganda canceled another law imposing life imprisonment for homosexuals after international donors, including the United States, reduced their financial support.
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This new decision on visas, which does not publicly name any names, is an extension of the restrictions imposed on Uganda because of alleged irregularities in the 2021 presidential election. Yoweri Museveni, President since 1986, won another term in that election. In the same way, Blinken also announced that the United States would refuse to issue visas to anyone who had compromised the electoral process in Zimbabwe in August. This disputed election resulted in the re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose party has ruled the country for more than 40 years.
