The United States of America has announced plans to withdraw key services and aid offered to Uganda after the signing of the anti-gay bill into law on Monday.
A statement by US President Joe Biden condemned the move terming it as a gross violation of human rights further calling for repealing of the law.
"I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal," President Biden said.
Biden added that the Act was a threat to those in Uganda including US citizens.
He said he has 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)," he added.
Biden further said his administration was deliberating the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the US.
This will apply to anyone who was involved in criminalising homosexuality and those against the LGBTQ+ community.
The law was signed by President Yoweri Museveni was passed by legislators in March but was returned to the parliament for amendment.
Museveni, in April, returned the Bill to the Parliament with a memorandum to only punish same-sex actions.
The amendments to the first draft which had criminalised merely identifying with LGBTQ and wanted people to report homosexual activities, were made on May 2.
The law is now limited to gay sexual acts and people convicted under this clause face life imprisonment.
The controversial law also prescribes the death penalty for aggravated offences, in cases including sexual abuse against a minor, a disabled person or where a victim of abuse is infected with a life-long illness.
The public will also be required to alert the authorities on any form of homosexual abuse against children or other vulnerable people.
"No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong," the US President added.
Acknowledging the partnership between Uganda and the US, Biden said the Western country has impacted millions of Ugandans positively.
He noted that US programs have helped improve economic growth, increased investments and strengthened trade cooperation in the country.
"In total, the US government invests nearly $1 billion (Sh138,450,000,000) (Sh3,738,815,000,000 UGX) annually in Uganda’s people, business, institutions, and military to advance our common agenda," he said.
This, Biden added, showed the value that the US placed on its ties with Uganda and its faith in its people.
"It is my sincere hope that we can continue to build on this progress, together, and strengthen protections for the human rights of people everywhere," Biden said.
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