WASHINGTON. The State Department on Friday announced it had imposed visa restrictions on Ugandans leaders for their involvement in corruption and human rights abuse.
Enactment of the anti homosexuality Act was specifically named as one of the causes of the visa restrictions. Individuals were not named but it is believed all Members of Parliament who backed the law will be affected.
A statement released by the State Department spokesperson, Mathew Miller said the ban follows a directive by President Biden.
“In response to human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda, the Department of State announces that it is taking steps to impose visa restrictions under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on Ugandan individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda,” Miller’s statement reads.
It comes after President Joe Biden said his government would continue to evaluate additional actions under this policy, as well as the use of other “tools at our disposal, to promote accountability for Ugandan officials and other individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda, abusing human rights, including those of LGBTQI+ persons, or engaging in corrupt practices.”
Last month, the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 was enacted in Uganda.
The enactment was globally castugated and as an immediate action, Speaker Anita Among had her visa withdrawn.
This week, the State Department also updated its travel guidance to U.S. citizens to highlight the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, or those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or the death penalty based on provisions in the law.
“The United States strongly supports the Ugandan people and remains committed to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Uganda and globally,” Miller said
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