America imposes travel restriction on unnamed Ugandan govt officials over LGBTQ+ rights

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has revealed that the United States has put in place a visa restriction policy on some Ugandan officials who are allegedly behind the violation of human rights and oppression of marginalized groups.

This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and expands upon the policy Secretary Blinken approved in 2021.

In a statement dated December 5,2023, Blinken noted that in 2021 following Uganda’s election, USA announced a visa restriction policy targeting those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda.

“At that time, I implored the government of Uganda to significantly improve its record and hold accountable those responsible for flawed electoral processes, violence, and intimidation,” he said.

He said that the policy has been expanded to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations.

“These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers. The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions,” reads an exerpt.

According to Blinken, the United States stands by the Ugandan people and remains committed to working together to advance democracy, human rights, public health, and mutual prosperity.

“I once again strongly encourage the Government of Uganda to make concerted efforts to uphold democracy and to respect and protect human rights so that we may sustain the decades-long partnership between our countries that has benefited Americans and Ugandans alike.”