WASHINGTON (CN) — The United States is still reviewing its foreign aid programs, but is restricting assistance to Uganda in response to the country’s recently enacted anti-LGBTQ+ law.
The White House on Monday detailed steps the federal government has recently taken in response to the Anti-Homosexuality Act, while noting that officials continue to review “all aspects of U.S. engagement with the government of Uganda.”
“No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination,” the White House fact sheet says.
In May, the east African country enacted a law that observers have called one of the world’s harshest measures for LGBTQ+ people. It includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” life imprisonment for the offense of “homosexuality” and criminalizes the “promotion of homosexuality” with up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
The United States provided more than $750 million in aid to Uganda in fiscal 2022, the ninth most to an African country. The money supports development and health care measures, such as combating HIV/AIDS, in the country of about 47 million people.
Supporters of the law say it is needed to punish a broad array of LGBTQ+ activities they claim are threatening traditional values in the religious country. Since it was enacted, the White House said discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ+ people have increased, including “reports of the Ugandan police subjecting individuals to forced anal examinations.”
“The United States urges Ugandan authorities to prioritize the health, prosperity, and security of all Ugandans by tackling the scourge of systemic corruption, investing in healthcare and education, upholding constitutionally enshrined rights, and promoting just and accountable governance rather than channeling energy into oppressive laws and practices,” the White House fact sheet says.
The U.S. is “curtailing direct government-to-government funding to programs implemented with Uganda.” In particular, the Department of Defense is pausing $15 million earmarked to combat biological threats and redirecting $5 million for combating AIDS.
The Biden administration is also revoking Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which provides duty-free access to U.S. markets, and supporting World Bank pauses of public financing for Uganda’s government.
Last week, the State Department expanded visa restrictions on Ugandan officials, while the Treasury Department sanctioned the man in charge of the country’s prisons for human rights abuses. The State Department also issued business and travel advisories warning of the risks in dealing with the country.
“The United States stands by the Ugandan people and remains committed to working together to advance democracy, human rights, public health, and mutual prosperity,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week. “I once again strongly encourage the government of Uganda to make concerted efforts to uphold democracy and to respect and protect human rights so that we may sustain the decades-long partnership between our countries that has benefited Americans and Ugandans alike.”
Officials will, however, continue humanitarian support and certain development assistance programs while monitoring its programs “to ensure that there is zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harmful activities.”
“We will continue to closely monitor the human rights situation in Uganda, raise concerns at every level with the Ugandan government, and take additional steps to promote respect for human rights and accountability,” the White House said.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who seized power in 1986, dismissed concerns from “foreigners” who are “wasting their time” opposing the law.
“They try to put pressure on us,” he said Sunday. “‘If you don’t do this, we shall not allow you to go to America.’ I don’t want to go to America.”
Follow @TheNolanStout
Subscribe to Closing Arguments
Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.
Additional Reads
-
Inaccessible border app May 8, 2024 -
