Summary:

• Ugandan President Museveni has written to President Biden amid strained relations over the Anti-Homosexuality Act, but despite discussions with the U.S. Ambassador, expanded visa restrictions were imposed on Ugandan officials suspected of undermining democracy.

President Museveni has reached out to U.S. president Joe Biden amid worsening relations between Kampala and Washington. Despite Uganda’s historical collaboration with the United States in fostering stability in the Horn and East/Central Africa and combating terrorism, tensions have risen due to the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The U.S. government has discouraged its companies from investing in Uganda and removed the country from the beneficiaries of the Africa Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA). In a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, William W. Popp, at State House Entebbe, Museveni discussed various issues, including AGOA. Museveni also conveyed a special message to President Biden through Ambassador Popp.

Ambassador Popp reassured Uganda of the U.S. government’s commitment to continued cooperation through improved bilateral relations, emphasizing the potential for collaborative projects without restrictions.

However, within hours of the meeting, the U.S. government announced expanded visa restrictions against Ugandan officials suspected of undermining the democratic process. This marked the third set of measures against Uganda, following the 2021 elections and the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the visa restrictions would apply to officials involved in suppressing democratic processes or implementing policies against marginalized populations. The affected individuals, including their immediate family members, would be unable to travel to the United States.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act, which legislators argue is aimed at preserving African traditional marriage and culture, imposes severe penalties, including a 20-year jail term for engaging in homosexuality and the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality involving minors or vulnerable groups.

President Museveni, in response to Washington’s actions, cautioned against underestimating African freedom fighters and rejected external pressures, suggesting that some Arab countries have similar laws without facing similar scrutiny. The heightened measures by the U.S. are likely to strain relations between the two nations further.