The Ugandan government has strongly criticized the United States’ recent expansion of visa restrictions against its officials, accusing Washington of advocating for an “LGBT agenda” across Africa.
The newly announced visa restrictions, unveiled on Monday, specifically target unnamed officials identified by the US as responsible for undermining democratic processes and suppressing marginalized communities in Uganda, particularly the LGBTQ community.
In May, Uganda enforced strict anti-gay legislation, establishing one of the world’s harshest 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, predominantly instigated by private entities.
Previously, the US had imposed initial visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the contentious law in June, while the World Bank suspended new financial aid to the country in August.