Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa covering President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. government, UN, IMF, World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington and New York.
The Biden administration on Friday announced measures to impose visa restrictions on individuals believed to be responsible for undermining “the democratic process” and “human rights” in Uganda. These actions come just two weeks after President Joe Biden condemned Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, describing it as a tragic violation of universal human rights that fosters fear and discrimination.
However, critics have highlighted a discrepancy in the U.S. approach, particularly in light of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is punishable by death. He also met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud who directed the beheading of Washington Post Journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018, in Istanbul, Turkey, according to a conclusion reached by US intelligence agencies.
Despite those allegations of human rights abuses, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia’s connection to the 9/11 attacks, the Biden administration has been accused of applying a different standard to African nations while showing leniency towards Saudi Arabia.
In his statement on May 29, President Biden called for the immediate repeal of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, expressing deep concern over the increasing reports of violence and discrimination against LGBTQI+ individuals. He emphasized the injustice of forcing innocent Ugandans to live in fear and face hateful reprisals. The law’s severe punishments and threats of violence and abuse endanger the safety and freedom of countless Ugandans, Biden asserted.
He also highlighted the implications of the democratic backsliding, not only for the Ugandan people but also for U.S. government personnel, implementing partners, tourists, and members of the business community, and directed the National Security Council to assess the law’s implications on various aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including assistance programs such as the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The first round of sanctions against Ugandan officials was announced on Friday, targeting individuals believed to be responsible for hindering Uganda’s path toward democracy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The U.S. government will continue to evaluate further actions to promote accountability for Ugandan officials involved in undermining the democratic process, violating human rights (including those of LGBTQI+ individuals), or engaging in corrupt practices, the US State Department said in a statement.
While supporters of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda argue for the preservation of traditional values and cultural heritage, critics condemn the legislation for its human rights violations and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. The signing of the law has sparked outrage and international condemnation.