Uganda's government criticized the United States' recent visa restriction expansion on its officials, accusing Washington of advancing an "LGBT agenda" in Africa. The new restrictions, targeting individuals allegedly undermining democracy and suppressing marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ community, were announced on Monday.
Uganda, known for imposing one of the world's strictest anti-gay laws in May, faces criticism from the U.S. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem claimed a coup at the State Department, alleging a push for the LGBT agenda in Africa. Oryem questioned the selective approach, urging similar sanctions on Middle East countries with stringent or harsher LGBT laws.
He stated, "If they deny our MPs visas, they will go to Shanghai, Guangzhou. There are many beautiful places to visit." The enactment of Uganda's anti-gay law in May led to increased abuse against LGBTQ individuals, primarily perpetrated by private individuals, as highlighted in a September report by rights groups.
The U.S. had previously imposed initial visa restrictions on Ugandan officials in response to the anti-gay law in June, while the World Bank suspended new lending to the country in August.