Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has downplayed concerns about the United States’ decision to expel Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). President Museveni urged Ugandans not to be overly concerned about the move, emphasising the nation’s capacity for growth and transformation, despite the expulsion.
Last week, President Joe Biden announced the removal of Uganda, along with Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic, from Agoa due to what America deems to be gross violations of human rights by the the US government. Uganda faced the threat of expulsion following the passage of an anti-homosexuality law imposing severe penalties for same-sex acts.
Mr Museveni has also accused the World Bank of using money to try to “coerce” the government to drop the legislation.
While Agoa has provided duty-free access to the US market for Ugandan products like coffee and textiles, the US is not a primary export market for Uganda. Consequently, the economic impact is expected to be limited. President Museveni’s response, characterised by confidence in Uganda’s growth potential, reflects the nation’s determination to pursue its developmental goals independently.
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