United States has imposed visa restrictions on Uganda officials over anti-LGBTQ law that was condemned by many countries.
Recall that, U.S. President Joe Biden had threatened aid cuts and other sanctions, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last month that the government would consider visa restrictions against Ugandan officials.
The Uganda’s anti-homosexuality imposes life sentence for same-sex intercourse and a 20-year sentence for promotion of homosexuality
The State Department statement on Friday did not mention any names or even the number of officials that would be hit with the visa restriction but said the U.S. would hold accountable those who are responsible for abusing human rights in Uganda, “including those of LGBTQI+ persons.”
The State Department also updated its Uganda travel guidance for U.S. citizens to highlight the risk that LGBTQI+ persons could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or the death penalty based on provisions in the law, it said.
“The United States strongly supports the Ugandan people and remains committed to advancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Uganda and globally,” the State Department said.
Firms including media and non-governmental organizations that knowingly promote LGBTQ activity will also incur harsh fines, the law says.