The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has signed a strict anti-LGBTQ law that includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Many Western countries, including the United States, have condemned the law and may consider imposing sanctions. President Joe Biden has directed the White House National Security Council to evaluate how this law will impact all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda. This includes the ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments.
The U.S. government will also review Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides duty-free treatment to goods of designated sub-Saharan African countries. In addition, there may be further steps taken, including applying sanctions and restricting entry into the United States for anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption. Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as in more than 30 other African countries, but this new law goes further.
About the Author:
Rohit is a News18.com journalist who loves football and has a passion for world affairs. Follow him on Twitter at @heis_rohit.
