Following the announcement of visa restrictions imposed by the US on Uganda government officials over “undermining democracy” during the recent electoral process, Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of International Affairs, Oryem Henry Okello has called upon the US government to respect Uganda’s sovereignty.
Oryem says that Uganda enjoys valid cordial diplomatic relationship with the US but they were shocked that the US ambassadors didn’t inform government about the sanctions as they only found it in the media.
“Sovereignty is sovereignty! There is no country that will submit its freedom to another country unless that country or it’s president is foolish –
We could have similarly made numerous statements about what was happening in the US but we did not. We don’t interfere in their business and we ask them to give us space to manage this country because we are the best people to manage our country,” says Oryem.
According to Oryem, government is even yet to know the names of the people affected by the sanctions. He blames the US of acting on information lobists and NGO that he claims justify their reports to receive more money.
The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in the statement that Uganda government’s actions represent a downward trajectory for democracy and respect for human rights as opposition candidates are routinely harassed, arrested, and held illegally without charge.