US Imposes Sanctions on Uganda over Anti-Gay Law

Washington — The United States on Thursday slapped a number of sanctions on Uganda over an anti-homosexuality law that Washington says “runs counter to universal human rights.”

The State Department is banning entry into the United States by certain Ugandan officials involved in “serious human rights abuses,” said Caitlin Hayden, spokeswoman for White House National Security Council, adding that Ugandans who are “found responsible for significant public corruption” are also banned from entering the United States.

In addition, the United States is discontinuing or redirecting funds for programs involving Ugandan police force and health ministry, and canceling plans to hold a U.S. military-sponsored aviation exercise in Uganda, according to the spokeswoman.

Defying tough opposition from the United States and other countries, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law in February, citing that there is no scientific proof that people are homosexuals by genetics.

Under the law, those who are found guilty of homosexual acts will be jailed up to 14 years, a sentence that increases to life imprisonment in “aggravated” cases, such as those committed by an HIV positive person, or those involving minors, the disabled and serious offenders.

Hayden, however, added that none of the punitive actions diminishes U.S. commitment to providing support for the Ugandan people, or its partnership with the Ugandan government on security issues.

“We will seek to advance these interests even as we continue — in Uganda and around the world — to oppose discriminatory practices and champion human rights for all,” Hayden said. (PNA/Xinhua) JBP/EBP

Photo above: Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (Image Credit: profarmsmusic.wordpress.com)