President Museveni responded to Uganda’s termination from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) by US President Joe Biden in a televised address from his home in Rwakitura, Western Uganda. Museveni assured Ugandans that such trade restrictions and pressures have “no meaning” because Uganda is a nation of “wealth creators.”
President Biden terminated Uganda, along with Central African Republic, Gabon, and Niger, from Agoa, a US trade preference act providing duty-free access for over 6,000 products from beneficiary countries to the US market. The termination, effective January 1, 2024, was based on the grounds that these countries did not meet the requirements specified in section 506A (a)(1) of the Trade Act.
Museveni emphasized that Uganda can trade internationally with countries that respect them. He criticized those who “link up with foreign interests” and stated that those putting pressure on Uganda are wasting their time, as foreign pressure has no meaning. He urged Ugandans to focus on fighting corruption, addressing usual problems, and concentrating on regional integration.
The termination of Uganda from Agoa followed several sanctions imposed against the country, including travel restrictions on top officials and threats of aid cuts, after the adoption of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023. The US labeled the law as retrogressive.
President Museveni, who has led Uganda since 1986, highlighted the importance of unity among Ugandans in withstanding economic pressures. He emphasized that division weakens the country but unity enables them to overcome challenges.
