Kampala, Uganda | URN | The US President Joe Biden has threatened to cut aid totaling up to $1 billion per year after Uganda President Yoweri Museveni assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023.
The new anti-gay law calls for up to 20 years in prison for promoting homosexuality and life imprisonment for anyone convicted of homosexuality.
The law also imposes the death penalty for what it calls “aggravated homosexuality.” This includes having sex with people categorized as vulnerable, including the elderly and children.
Also, any Ugandan who does not report such cases is liable on conviction to spend five years in prison or pay a fine of Shs 10 million.
Journalists and other media figures, on the other hand, face five years in prison if they disclose the identity of a victim of a homosexual act without the authority of the court or that person.
Below is Joe Biden’s full statement threatening to cut aid to Uganda
The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights—one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people, and one that jeopardizes the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country.
I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong.
Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was introduced, reports of violence and discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+ are on the rise.
Innocent Ugandans now fear going to hospitals, clinics, or other establishments to receive life-saving medical care lest they be targeted by hateful reprisals. Some have been evicted from their homes or fired from their jobs. And the prospect of graver threats—including lengthy prison sentences, violence, abuse—threatens any number of Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom.
This shameful Act is the latest development in an alarming trend of human rights abuses and corruption in Uganda. The dangers posed by this democratic backsliding are a threat to everyone residing in Uganda, including US government personnel, the staff of our implementing partners, tourists, members of the business community, and others.
As such, I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments.
My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). And we are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption.
Read Also: Activists challenge newly signed anti-homosexuality law in court
The United States shares a deep and committed partnership with the people of Uganda. For more than 60 years, we have worked together to help millions of Ugandans live healthier, more productive lives.
Our programs have boosted economic growth and agricultural productivity, increased investments in Ugandan businesses, and strengthened our trade cooperation. In total, the US Government invests nearly $1 billion annually in Uganda’s people, business, institutions, and military to advance our common agenda.
The scale of our commitments speaks to the value we place on this partnership—and our faith in the people of Uganda to build for themselves a better future. It is my sincere hope that we can continue to build on this progress, together, and strengthen protections for the human rights of people everywhere.
Joe Biden, the US President.
