Overview

• U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expanded visa restrictions on Ugandan officials, targeting those believed to be undermining democracy and repressing marginalized groups, including the LGBTQI+ community, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society organizers.
• The visa restrictions also apply to family members of these officials.
• The move follows Uganda's enactment of a harsh anti-LGBTQI+ law in May, which carries the death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality.'
• Blinken also announced a new visa restriction policy for officials in Zimbabwe, particularly those believed to be undermining democracy.
• The Zimbabwean policy comes after President Emmerson Mnangagwa won a second term in a disputed vote in August.