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Anti-homosexuality bill: MP dares Biden to cancel visas of all Ugandans


Honourable Basalirwa Asuman, the Member of Parliament for Bugiri Municipality and a human rights lawyer, has dared the United States of America to cancel all visas of Ugandans following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

Honourable Asuman is the parliamentarian who spearheaded the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Speaking hours after President Museveni assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law, Honourable Asuman claimed that the American government had cancelled his visa as well as that of the Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Anita Among.

“The visas have been cancelled. I don’t know why they are picking a few; cancel all the MPs’ visas except for two. In fact, cancel the visas of all Ugandans,” Honourable Asuman told a Ugandan television presenter.

Honourable Asuman said the move was part of America’s warning to Uganda should it pass the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and once it was passed, the western nation acted immediately.

Also read: Details of MP Kaluma’s Anti LBGTQ Bill

Hours after President Museveni assented to the bill, US President Joe Biden issued a statement describing the bill as shameful and an affront to the human rights of Ugandans and all global citizens who interact with Uganda.

Nairobi News previously reported that President Biden said the law was a “tragic violation of universal human rights – one unworthy of the Ugandan people”.

“Since the Anti-Homosexuality Bill was introduced, reports of violence and discrimination against Ugandans who are, or are perceived to be, LGBTQ have increased. Innocent Ugandans are now afraid to go to hospitals, clinics and other facilities to seek life-saving medical care, lest they be targeted. This shameful act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda.

I have directed my National Security Council to assess the impact of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to wisely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and other forms of assistance and investment.

My Administration will also consider the impact of the law in our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act. And we are considering additional steps, including the use of sanctions and travel restrictions to the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption,” said President Biden.

Also read: Ugandan media houses that air LGBTQ content will risk revocation of licenses

Uganda receives $1 billion a year in American aid.

Following Honourable Asuman’s challenge to the American government to revoke every Ugandan’s visa to their country, his fellow countrymen reacted differently as sampled by Nairobi News below:

“Honourable Basalirwa, you didn’t legislate for all Ugandans, there are us the straight people who feel the law is irrelevant but we just missed this discussion in the Oloka Onyango petition, 2014 the law was nullified on quorum but the substance was not challenged,” said CEO Mziwa.

“He should speak for himself and his colleagues… Ugandans voted for the bill,” added Bonny Eric.

“Why are they still doing business with Qatar and Saudi Arabia where homosexuality is punishable by death? Is it because they can’t let go of Arab oil? Just hypocrites,” said Ali Ndhote.

“The prices of fuel and other essential commodities will go up, their salaries and allowances will go up. If they don’t propose to cut salaries to take into account these drawbacks of the donors, then I don’t support him,” said David Soft.

“Why are they not holding us to the same standard as the Saudis?” asked Dr Wilson.

Also read: Chameleone apologises for passionately kissing his brother Weasel on stage