File Photo The US has cut and reshuffled aid to Uganda and imposed visa restrictions for those who breach human rights over the nation’s anti-gay law. Ugandans can be jailed for life for “aggravated homosexuality” due to a February law which has been widely internationally condemned. The law also criminalises lesbianism for the first time. It’s already led to about US$118 million in aid being redirected. President Barack Obama warned Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni before the law was signed that it would “complicate relations” between the two countries. The White House has now introduced its sanctions, which include visa restrictions on Ugandans it believes have been involved in human rights violations. It’s also stopping US$2.4 million in funding for a Ugandan community policing programme after a police raid on a US-funded health programme where people were reportedly detained and abused while in police custody, accused of “unethical research” and “recruiting homosexuals.” Some funding for Ugandan Health Ministry employees will now go to NGOs, planned funding for a national public health institute in Uganda will go to another African country and plans for a US-sponsored military exercise in Uganda have been cancelled. The US National Security Council says none of the steps diminish its commitment to providing development and humanitarian support for the Ugandan people. “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,” it says. Uganda has responded by saying it won’t be “blackmailed” by the US. “Uganda is a sovereign country and can never bow to anybody or be blackmailed by anybody on a decision it took in its interests, even if it involves threats to cut off all financial assistance,’ government spokesman Ofwono Opondo told Reuters.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 21st June 2014 - 10:28am