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Makau Mutua reacts after Biden's threat to sanction Uganda over new anti-gay law

US announced plans to withdraw key services offered to Uganda after the signing of the anti-gay bill.

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by BRIAN ORUTA

News30 May 2023 - 05:35
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In Summary


  • He said the law signed by President Yoweri Museveni on Monday is discriminatory and violent, and should not be allowed.
  • Biden condemned the move terming it a gross violation of human rights further calling for repealing the law.
Azimio spokesperson Makau Mutua

Azimio la Umoja Spokesperson Makau Mutua has backed US President Joe Biden's threat to withdraw aid services to Uganda, after passing the Anti-Homosexuality law.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mutua said the US president should sanction the East African country severely.

He said the law signed by President Yoweri Museveni on Monday is discriminatory and violent, and should not be allowed.

"President ⁦Joe Biden⁩ must sanction Uganda even harder for criminalising homosexuality. This primitive, discriminatory, violent, and inhumane law cannot be allowed to stand," Mutua said.

His remarks came after the US announced plans to withdraw essential services and aid offered to Uganda after the signing of the anti-gay bill.

Biden condemned the move terming it a gross violation of human rights further calling for repealing the law.

"I join with people worldwide including many in Uganda in calling for its immediate repeal," he said.

President Biden said he had directed the National Security Council to evaluate some of the key aids the US is offering to Uganda, a move that will deal a blow to several citizens relying on it.

"As such, I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments," he said.

"My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)." 

Biden said his administration was deliberating the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the US for anyone involved in criminalising homosexuality and those against the LGBTQ+ community.

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