Washington is imposing visa restrictions for Ugandans it accuses of \u201cundermining the democratic process\u201d after the enactment of an anti-gay law in the East African country
KAMPALA, Uganda — Washington on Friday announced it is imposing visa restrictions for Ugandans it accuses of \u201cundermining the democratic process\u201d in Uganda after the enactment of an anti-gay law in the East African country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A statement from the State Department did not name any targeted individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It said the U.S. will consider other possible actions “to promote accountability for Ugandan officials and other individuals responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda, abusing human rights, including those of LGBTQI+ persons, or engaging in corrupt practices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Uganda’s new law, adopted last month, punishes homosexuality, including with the death penalty in some cases. The legislation has been widely condemned by rights activists and others abroad, but it has wide support in Uganda, including among religious leaders and lawmakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
LGBTQ rights campaigners note homosexuality already was illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law criminalizing sexual activity \u201cagainst the order of nature.\u201d The punishment for that offense is life imprisonment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homosexuality is criminalized in more than 30 of Africa\u2019s 54 countries. Some Africans see it as behavior imported from abroad and not a sexual orientation.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n