The United States government has announced the expansion of the visa restriction policy that targets government officials in Uganda believed to be responsible for undermining democratic processes during the 2021 general elections and masterminding human rights abuses.

This was declared by the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken during a press conference held at White House in Washington DC on December 4, 2023.

“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 including environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers,” Blinken said.

Without listing government officials to be affected by the restriction, Blinken said that the immediate family members of such persons may also be subjected to these restrictions.

The 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.

Blinken noted that, the US stands with the people of Uganda 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,” Blinken said.

The US first announced a visa restriction policy targeting those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda after the 2021 general elections which they termed as flawed.

At that time, the US implored Uganda to significantly improve its record and hold accountable those responsible for flawed electoral processes, violence, and intimidation.

In May, 2023, the United States of America revoked the Ugandan Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among’s visa over issues of Anti-Homosexuality Law.