Despite the stand-off between Kampala and Washington governments, the US is not closing its mission in Uganda
By Cathy Kristofferson, March 5, 2014
Photo courtesy Juliet Lukwago newvision
Yesterday, the U.S. Ambassador to Uganda clarified the United States’ position with Uganda following the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law February 24th. Since that time there have been many reports of changes to the two countries’ relationship.
Friday the U.S. Mission Uganda was forced to issue the following tweet:
As we reported here on OBLOGDEE, regarding America welcoming those who work against the LGBT community DeLisi told the BBC:
“I will tell you as a matter of record, we as a government [United States], those who propagate hate, those who incite violence against others, what they do with their societies, I may not be able to control, but I can tell you they might not be welcome in the United States of America. “
Yesterday. Ambassador DeLisi explained his reasons for speaking out again: “I say this in specific reference to some false reports suggesting that the US is about to terminate its engagement with Uganda and that the embassy in Kampala will soon close.” He also reiterated that the U.S. Mission in Uganda remains “about our engagement with the people whose lives we touch every day with our development programmes in health and food security.”
The full text of his remarks are available here on the U.S. Mission Uganda’s website.
DeLisis’s message was received and reported locally by WBS TV as:
“The American embassy in Uganda has reiterated that the relationship between the US and Ugandan government is not going to be as it used to, following President Museveni’s action to sign the anti- homosexuality bill.
The American ambassador to Uganda, Scott De Lisi today made it clear that Uganda’s move to penalize gay people is a gross violation of human rights, which the US cannot withstand, and that Uganda’s move has tarnished its diplomatic ties.
The ambassador clarified that the US is not going to close its embassy in Uganda as had been communicated earlier, but it will not work in harmony with the government, limiting its support to the private sector.”
Also, speaking directly about the recent passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law he said “We believe it should be repealed to ensure that it does not result in the discrimination of the kind that complicates the implementation of numerous programmes constituting our engagement with Uganda.”
What that all amounts to we in the U.S. will be watching and waiting to learn.
![speaker mel nathan](http://oblogdeeoblogda.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/africanhrc.png?w=300"%20alt="africanhrc"%20width="300"%20height="300"%20/></a>)
PoochParkWear customizes hoodies and t-shirts, the good, the naughty, the in between, whether proud or quirky let them be seen. We also offer biker jackets, croc or pleather collars, a variety of collar charms, and our special Zinja beaded collars made by a co-op of HIV-positive South African women, the Sisonke women who weave the beads onto the collars.
I am happy that the US Ambassador has taken a stand and is to go down in history as having challenged ignorance and bigotry in the 21st century Uganda.
It took me over 10 years to accept my sexual orientation in a homophobic upbringing and society. In the 21st century, no one can tell me who, how and when to love. I have travelled this far without the support of “Uganda”, and neither will I listen to what they have to say about my sexuality pretending they care, while all they ingrain me in is self hatred, ignorance, backwardness and bigotry”.
Ambassador DeLisi, history will forever honour your positive stand towards the homophobic lot and objection to the continued ignorance. Bravo.