In a move that has escalated diplomatic tensions between Uganda and the United States, the Ugandan government has strongly criticized the recent expansion of visa restrictions imposed by Washington. Accusing the U.S. of promoting what they refer to as an “LGBT agenda” in Africa, Ugandan officials have expressed their displeasure with the measures.
The newly announced visa restrictions, unveiled on Monday, specifically target unidentified Ugandan officials whom the U.S. deems responsible for undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups within the country, including the LGBTQ community. This development follows Uganda’s enactment of one of the world’s most severe anti-gay laws in May, which includes provisions calling for the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, voiced his concerns, stating, “There’s a coup at the State Department in the U.S. It is being taken over by people who are pushing the LGBT agenda in Africa.” Oryem further questioned the U.S.’s selective approach, asking why similar sanctions were not imposed on Middle Eastern countries with equally or even harsher laws against LGBTQ individuals. He added, “If they deny our MPs visas, they will go to Shanghai, Guangzhou. There are very many beautiful places to visit.”
The controversial Ugandan law, since its enactment, has been widely criticized for inciting a wave of abuse against LGBTQ individuals, primarily at the hands of private individuals, as highlighted in a report by rights groups in September. The U.S. had previously imposed initial visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the anti-gay law back in June, while the World Bank suspended new lending to the country in August as a means of protest.
As the standoff between Uganda and the U.S. intensifies, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact diplomatic relations and the rights of LGBTQ individuals in Uganda. The issue of human rights and the treatment of marginalized groups continues to be a focal point in the global discourse on diplomacy and international relations.