The United States has suspended some
aid to Uganda over passage of a controversial anti-gay law.
The measure, signed last month by
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, calls for life imprisonment for
the crime of “aggravated homosexuality,” outlaws the promotion of
gay rights and requires individuals to turn in anyone they suspect of
being gay.
According to Reuters, the U.S. Center
for Disease Control (CDC) has put on hold an assistance program to
Uganda's ministry of health.
“As a result of this review process,
a portion of the U.S. Center for Disease Control's (CDC) cooperative
agreement with the Ministry of Health has been put on hold pending
this review,” a senior U.S. government official is quoted as
saying.
How much aid was withheld was not
disclosed.
Rukia Nakamatte, a spokesman for
Uganda's health ministry, said the cuts would affect 50 of its
workers. The ministry uses a fund controlled by the CDC to buy
antiretroviral drugs and HIV testing kits.
Five donors – the World Bank, Sweden,
Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands – have also suspended part of
their financial aid or loans to the nation.