Museveni to Biden, stop wasting your time

By Moses Muli

Published: Jan.10,2024 1:38 PM(EAT)

In an attempt to deflect international pressure over human rights abuse, Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has sought to reassure Ugandans that all is well after US President Joe Biden suspended the East African country from Ush.40 billion(About $10.5 billion) African growth and opportunity act(AGOA) trade deal.

Biden removed Uganda,Central Africa Republic, Gabon and Niger saying the countries did not meet the requirements to be part of the export deal.

A december 2023 notice from the office of the trade representative confirmed the termination which now excludes Uganda made products from the preferential treatment in the US market.”I have determined that CAR,Gabon,Niger and Uganda do not meet the requirements described in section 506(a) of the trade act”, the statement read.

In a televised address from his country home in Rwakitura, western Uganda,President Museveni, flanked by his Wife Janet and assistants on Tuesday night assured Ugandans that such trade restrictions and pressures have no bearing because Uganda is a nation of “wealth creators”. Museveni has been in power since 1986,when he fought his way to state house through the Guerilla warfare that ousted the goverment of Milton Obote.

Unity of Ugandans

Museveni 79, said the unity of Ugandans is enough to withstand such economic external pressures. “If we divide ourselves then we will be weak, but if we don`t then there is nothing we cannot do” Museveni said.”Foreign pressure has no meaning. Therefore what we can do is fight corruption, the usual problems, concentrate on regional integration…then internationally trade with those who respect us”

Kampala`s removal from Agoa, a US trade preferential law enacted on May 18,2000 that provides duty free access to the US market for more than 6000 products from beneficiary countries follows a series of other sanctions to top Uganda government officials which include travel restrictions following the passage by Uganda parliament of the Anti Homosexuality Act, a move the US considers retrogressive and anti human rights.