USA has imposed sanctions against Uganda because of the recently passed draconian anti-gay law.
Uganda has said that it is bothered by USA cutting off some of its aid because of the ‘Draconian’ anti-gay law but it can not withdraw the law because it was supported by most of the Ugandans since it suits their interests.
USA yesterday announced that it had cut aid to Uganda because of the controversial anti-gay law which was passed by Uganda parliament last year and assented by President Museveni. According to USA, the law imposes harsh punishments on homosexuality and violates human rights of gays.
The White House said in a statement that the measures were intended to have USA’s support for human rights of all Ugandans regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It added on that USA would impose visa restrictions on Ugandans it believes have been involved in human rights violations, including gay rights and also halt $2.4 million in funding for a Ugandan community policing program.
Apart from cutting aid, USA also cancelled a regional military exercise which was due to be held soon in Uganda.
Uganda’s State House Press Secretary Tamale Mirundi said,”We are bothered about the sanctions USA has imposed on us. Definitely we need their money for our development, but the anti-gay law was passed and now can not be withdrawn.”
He said that most Ugandans including religious leaders, politicians, academicians, and lay people supported the passing of the anti-gay law and it would be ridiculous for the government to withdraw it.
“All Ugandans are thanking President Museveni for assenting the anti-gay law in fact it has made him more popular. We knew that such actions like cutting aid by some donors would take place but that can not stop us from deciding what we want.” said Mirundi.
Uganda government spokesman, Ofwono Opondo has said that ever since the law was passed not even a single gay has been persecuted as it is claimed by donor countries.”That gays are being discriminated and harassed is not true. Uganda is a sovereign country and can decide what is good for for it.” said Opondo.
He said that if USA stops giving aid, Uganda will seek for assistance from elsewhere. On stopping some officials from travelling to USA, he said that some of the trips were not very necessary.
In Uganda, homosexuality is taboo and most people do not want to be associated with it. That could be the reason why most Ugandans rallied behind President Museveni on issues concerning the anti-gay law.
Although up to now not even a single gay has been arrested and convicted, the anti-gay law imposes jail terms of up to life imprisonment for aggravated homosexuality which includes homosexual sex with a minor or while HIV-positive.
