To hell with your visas: Ministers tell Americans

KAMPALA: Two Ugandan cabinet ministers have told the US they will not be scared in their move to protect the family values even as America moves to restrict travelling for those reportedly involved in stepping on human rights of minority groups.

Chris Baryomunsi, the minister for ICT, said Nobody should be threatened by these actions of the international actors.

“If they cherish homosexuality, let them cherish it. As Ugandans, we don’t,” he said.

“As a government and Ugandans, we must remain firm. We may be poor but not desperate that we will dangle our resources and lose our values,” Baryomunsi added.

“We know the Speaker was the first victim of visa restrictions. Personally, if you denied me passage to America I don’t think I would die.”

David Bahati, the state minister for trade, said: “We should remain firm in the law we passed against homosexuality. We believe that several black males are being traded around.”

The minister added, “On top of the numerous restrictions the threats have continued the house should remain united.”

The two ministers’ comments come a day after the US announced more travel restrictions for “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.”

The restrictions also come in the wake of Uganda passing a strong anti-homosexuality law which prescribes life imprisonment for those implicated in gross anti-homosexual activities.

Below is full statement of ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE

After Uganda’s flawed 2021 presidential elections, I 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.

Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy 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.

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.

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.