The Ugandan government has strongly condemned the United States’ recent extension of visa restrictions against its officials, accusing Washington of advocating for an “LGBT agenda” within the African continent.
The newly announced visa restrictions, revealed on Monday, specifically target unnamed officials deemed by the US as responsible for undermining democratic processes and suppressing marginalized communities in Uganda, notably the LGBTQ community.
In May, Uganda implemented stringent anti-gay legislation, marking one of the world’s severest laws against same-sex activities, including provisions for the death penalty.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem expressed to media, “There’s a coup at the State Department in the U.S. It is being taken over by people who are pushing the LGBT agenda in Africa.”
Oryem further questioned the lack of similar sanctions against Middle Eastern countries with equally or more stringent laws against the LGBTQ community, adding, “If they deny our MPs visas, they will go to Shanghai, Guangzhou. There are very many beautiful places to visit.”
Following the enactment of Uganda’s anti-gay law, reports from rights groups in September highlighted a surge in abuse against LGBTQ individuals, primarily instigated by private entities.
Previously, the US had imposed initial visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the controversial law in June, while the World Bank suspended new financial aid to the country in August.
