The United States is imposing travel restrictions on Ugandan officials that they believe were responsible for undermining democracy in the recently concluded Presidential and General Elections.
According to Reuters, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Friday that the U.S. was imposing “visa restrictions on those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda, including during the country’s January 14 general elections and the campaign period that preceded it.”
Mr. Blinken did not go into details of the officials that will face the restrictions but as soon as the list is made public, this website shall inform you.
“There are consequences for interfering in the democratic process. Starting today, we are imposing visa restrictions on those involved in undermining democracy in Uganda.” Secretary Blinken said.
He criticised actions by the Ugandan armed forces saying they are responsible for the deaths and injuries suffered by innocent bystanders, opposition supporters and journalists.
“The Government of Uganda’s actions represent a continued downward trajectory for the country’s democracy and respect for human rights as recognized and protected by Uganda’s constitution. Opposition candidates were routinely harassed, arrested, and held illegally without charge. Ugandan security forces were responsible for the deaths and injuries of dozens of innocent bystanders and opposition supporters, as well as violence against journalists that occurred before, during, and after the elections.” He said.
The Biden administration, in a statement, not long ago committed to instilling democracy in Uganda and other parts of the world.
Last week, the administration lifted a travel ban on ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda that had been slapped on her by the Donald Trump government.
