US imposes sanctions on Uganda in response to anti-gay laws

The United States has imposed sanctions on Uganda in response to the country’s anti-gay laws.

In February, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed an anti-gay bill into law – which means that those who commit acts of so-called “aggravated homosexuality” could face life imprisonment. Those who reach out to the gay community could also face prison sentences for the so-called “promotion of sexuality”.

The US announced yesterday (June 19) it has cancelled a military exercise in Uganda, imposed strict visa restrictions, diverted aid intended for Uganda to another third-world country, and cut funding for a Ugandan police programme, in response to the country’s new anti-gay laws.

“The Department of State is taking measures to prevent entry into the United States by certain Ugandan officials involved in serious human rights abuses, including against LGBT individuals,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden Hayden in a written statement.

The sanctions follow previous aids cuts from the US to Uganda. In March, the US announced that it would be reducing its $400 million dollar (£240 million) aid package to the African country in response to the anti-gay laws.