Museveni on the spot as Joe Biden blasts Uganda’s LGBTQ law
In a May 29, 2023, statement from the United States of America’s White House, President Joe Biden’s administration termed the enactment of the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act as a ‘tragic violation of universal human rights- one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people’.
The statement came after President Yoweri Museveni assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill on Monday, May 29, 2023. The Ugandan Parliament announced the enactment of the Bill into an Act as Speaker Anita Among hailed this move as a strong defense to the culture, values and aspirations of Ugandans to protect the sanctity of family.
In the White House press briefing, President Biden called on all people around the world, including Ugandans, to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act because “no one has to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination because it is wrong.”
“Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was introduced, reports of violence and discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or perceived to be LGBTQ are on the rise. Innocent Ugandans now dear going to hospitals, clinics and other establishments to receive 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,” read the statement in part.
President Biden also noted that the Act was a danger to American government personnel living in Uganda, the staff of their implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community and others.
“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 sagely deliver service under the U.S President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and other forms of assistance and investments. My administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act. And we are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restrictions of entry in to the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption,” added President Biden.
America invests about $1 billion a year in Uganda’s people, businesses, institutions and military.
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