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Uganda’s Museveni Downplays US Expulsion from Trade Deal
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has downplayed the significance of his country’s expulsion from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) trade deal, saying that Uganda can still achieve its economic goals without the help of the United States.
The US announced last week that it was expelling Uganda from Agoa due to “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights” by Museveni’s government. The US specifically cited Uganda’s tough new anti-homosexuality law, which imposes a death penalty on people found guilty of engaging in certain same-sex acts.
Agoa, a trade agreement that gives eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US for more than 1,800 products, has been a boon for many African economies, including Uganda, which has been exporting goods like coffee and textiles to the US under this deal for years. However, Uganda has now been expelled from Agoa due to “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights” by its government.
One of the most controversial aspects of Uganda’s human rights record is its tough new anti-homosexuality law, which imposes a death penalty on people found guilty of engaging in certain same-sex acts. This law has been widely condemned by human rights groups and the international community, and is seen as one of the main reasons for Uganda’s expulsion from Agoa.
The expulsion from Agoa is a major blow to Uganda’s economy, as it will mean that Ugandan exporters will now have to pay import taxes on their goods sold in the US. This could lead to higher prices for consumers in both countries, and could also make Ugandan goods less competitive in the US market.
However, in a statement on social media, Museveni said that Uganda has the “capacity to achieve our growth and transformation targets, even if some of the actors do not support us.”
Mr Beast Builds 100 Wells in Africa, Sparks Praise and Criticism
American YouTuber and philanthropist Mr Beast has been met with both praise and criticism after announcing that he has built 100 wells in Africa.
Mr Beast’s video, which has been viewed over 48 million times since its release on Saturday, shows him constructing 52 wells in rural Kenyan communities and 48 other wells in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Somalia, and Cameroon.
Many people have applauded Mr Beast for his efforts to help rural communities, while also criticizing African governments for embezzling funds that are meant for such projects.
Mr Beast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, has over 207 million subscribers on YouTube, making him the platform’s most followed account.
In the video, Mr Beast explains his motivation for the project, saying: “I know it’s weird that a YouTuber has to do all this stuff, but someone’s got to do it. And if no one else is, we’re going to do it. It really does change the lives of the communities where we build them.”
However, some Africans have criticized Mr Beast’s video, arguing that it perpetuates the stereotype of Africa as an impoverished continent. Others have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the wells, saying that they could contribute to depleting groundwater.
Mr Beast has defended his philanthropy, saying that he will always use his platform to help people and inspire others to do the same.
US & UK Warn Citizens Against Visiting Jinja City in Uganda Ahead of Nyege Nyege Festival
Just days before the start of the world-renowned Nyege Nyege Festival, the governments of the United States and Britain have issued travel warnings for Jinja City, Uganda, citing growing terror threats in the country.
The warnings have cast a dark cloud over the festival, which is known for its eclectic mix of music, art, and dance. Nyege Nyege has become a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of people from all over the world to Jinja each year.
In separate statements, the two nations urged their nationals to refrain from traveling to Jinja unless absolutely necessary. The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advised against all but essential travel to Jinja Town, citing a growing terror threat in Uganda, including targeting of foreigners. The U.S. Embassy Kampala also recommended that individuals exercise an elevated degree of caution and reconsider attendance at upcoming large public gatherings in Kampala and Jinja due to increased terrorist activity.
“Due to increased terrorist activity, U.S. Embassy Kampala recommends that individuals exercise an elevated degree of caution and reconsider attendance at upcoming large public gatherings, such as large-scale worship services and music and cultural festivals in Kampala and Jinja,” the US warning read.
The British government also reminded its citizens to be wary of Uganda’s recently passed anti-homosexuality laws. The law includes harsh prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same sex sexual activity and also the supporting or promotion of LGBT+ rights.
In October, gunmen killed three people, including two foreign tourists, at a popular Ugandan national park. The police spokesman Fred Enanga said that the three were killed and their safari vehicle burnt.
The Nyege Nyege Festival is a four-day electronic music festival that is held annually in Jinja. It is one of the largest and most popular music festivals in Africa.
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