The US terminated Uganda’s preferential trade status, the latest in a series of punitive measures against the East African nation over its draconian anti-LGBTQ laws.
President Joe Biden notified Congress that Uganda is among four countries whose status under the African Growth and Opportunity Act is being withdrawn, according to a White House statement. The other countries are Central African Republic, where Russian mercenary group Wagner established a presence in recent years, and Gabon and Niger, both of which had coups this year.
“The government of Uganda has engaged in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights,” Biden said.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s government has faced criticism by western donors for legislation he signed in May that includes the death penalty for so-called “aggravated homosexuality.” Individuals can be sentenced to up to life imprisonment if they are convicted of other homosexual acts.
Last week, the US government issued an advisory note informing American businesses and individuals of potential risks they may face if they conduct business in Uganda. In June, the State Department issued visa restrictions on Ugandan officials thought to be responsible for undermining democracy in the country, and two months later the World Bank froze funding to the country over its anti-LGBTQ laws.
Ugandan Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa said he couldn’t immediately comment when contacted by phone on Tuesday. Museveni’s deputy press secretary, Faruk Kirunda, referred a request for comment to Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, to whom calls didn’t connect.
The US is Uganda’s sixth-biggest trading partner, with total trade estimated at $431.7 million last year, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
--With assistance from Fred Ojambo.
