US President Joe Biden condemned Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for enacting a new anti-homosexuality law, calling it a terrible breach of universal human rights. He has likewise requested that it be repealed immediately.

Biden stated that no one should have to live in dread of their lives or face violence and discrimination.

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has signed a new law mandating a 20-year sentence for promoting homosexuality, as well as the death penalty for certain behavior, including engaging in gay intercourse when HIV positive.

In an official statement, Biden said, “The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights – one that is not worthy of the Ugandan people, and one that jeopardizes the prospects of critical economic growth for the entire country”.

“I join with people around the world – including many in Uganda – in calling for its immediate repeal. No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or be subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong”, Biden added.

Biden stated that after the Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed, there has been an increase in allegations of violence and discrimination against Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+.

The US president further stated that this heinous Act is the latest development in Uganda’s disturbing record of human rights violations and corruption. The hazards posed by this democratic backsliding are a menace to everyone living in Uganda, including US government officials, staff from our implementing partners, tourists, businesspeople, and others.

According to an official statement from the White House, Biden also said that he has directed the US National Security Council to evaluate the implication of this law on all aspects of US engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments.

Anita Among, Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament said, “I now encourage the duty bearers under the law to execute the mandate bestowed upon them in the Anti-Homosexuality Act”.

“The People of Uganda have spoken, and it is your duty to now enforce the law in a fair, steadfast, and firm manner”, Anita Among added.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in over 30 African countries, including Uganda, but the new law goes much further in discriminating against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people.

The bill was approved despite protests from Western countries, corporations, and human rights advocates.

The president’s office said, “The Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 was one of six pieces of legislation signed into law by Museveni on Sunday”.

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