South Africa – The Minister of State for Trade Harriet Ntabazi has emphasized Uganda’s commitment to human rights and cultural values at the ongoing African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum 2023 in South Africa.
The Minister is leading Ugandan delegation at the summit being held in Johannesburg between 1st and 5th November.
On Monday, US President Joe Biden listed Uganda alongside Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic (CAR) as countries he intends to strike off the AGOA starting on January 1, 2024, over alleged human rights abuse.
“I am taking this step because I have determined that the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda do not meet the eligibility requirements of section 104 of the Agoa,” Biden said.
“Despite intensive engagement between the US and the CAR, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States’ concerns about their non-compliance with the Agoa eligibility criteria,” Biden added in a letter addressed to the speaker of the US House of Representatives.
While Niger and Gabon are accused of violating human rights and democratic principles because of the coups that have taken place in the countries, Uganda is accused of a controversial anti-homosexuality law, which was passed in May this year.
After the passing of the law by parliament in May, Biden called for its immediate repeal noting its enactment is a tragic violation of universal human rights.
During a consultative meeting at the AGOA Forum on Thursday, a number of concerns regarding the potential withdrawal of benefits for Uganda and the other three countries were discussed.
The Uganda delegation also had deep and fruitful discussions in a one-on-one sideline meeting with Constance A. Hamilton, the Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa.
Earlier, several trade ministers expressed concerns about targeting African countries, emphasizing the importance of economic prosperity over moral considerations.
The ongoing AGOA Forum is focusing on extending AGOA by 20 years, enhancing its utilization, and aligning with AfCFTA for intra-African trade.
Uganda remains dedicated to addressing these concerns, safeguarding its cultural and religious values, and maintaining strong relations between Uganda and the United States.
The Ugandan delegation included Uganda’s High Commissioner to South Africa Paul Amoru Susan Muhwezi, a Senior Presidential Advisor, Faridah Bahemuka from the Ministry of Finance, and Dennis Kalikola from the Uganda High Commission in Pretoria.
Former US president Bill Clinton introduced the Agoa, as a special vehicle to promote the US-Africa trade on October 2, 2000, and designated many Sub–Saharan countries eligible to benefit from duty-free access to US markets for more than 1,800 products from Africa.
