Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
In a recent interview with The African Report, Ms Frazer, a former assistant secretary of state under President George W. Bush, shed light on the US decision to suspend Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Contrary to expectations, she revealed that the decision was rooted in concerns over anti-gay legislation and human rights issues, rather than trade.
Highlighting the misuse of AGOA as a punitive measure, she voiced her opinion on the need to separate trade and development from unrelated matters.
Chinese influence on the rise
The interview with Ms Frazer took place amidst growing Chinese influence on the African continent, causing alarm among former US assistant secretaries of state for US-Africa relations.
The concerns were further compounded by recent US sanctions on five senior Ugandan officials, including Speaker Anita Among, over allegations of corruption and human rights abuses.
These actions were preceded by similar measures taken by Britain in May, indicating a broader international response to the situation.
Controversy surrounds Uganda’s senior officials
In response to the sanctions, Speaker Anita Among maintained that they were politically motivated due to her opposition to gay rights issues in Uganda.
She specifically referenced the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023, which imposed severe penalties, including the death penalty, for certain actions by gay individuals.
The passage of this law led to a significant reduction in donor support from the West, affecting various programs, such as those combating malaria and HIV/AIDS.
As China continues to deepen its roots in Africa, the US finds itself in a near-panic state, particularly with Russia’s growing interest in the region.
Recent events, such as Russia deploying troops to a Niger airbase where American soldiers are stationed and forging stronger ties with Uganda, have raised concern.
This shifting landscape calls for the US to work harder in positioning itself as the preferred partner for African nations, navigating the challenges posed by China’s influence and emerging international interests.
Check also;
This is not a Paywall, but Newslex Point's journalism consumes a lot of time, hard-work and money. That's why we're kindly requesting you to support us in anyway they can, for as little as $1 or more, you can support us .Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.
![[dropcap]A[/dropcap] section of women in Bugongo parish and Nawangaiza parish in Nawandala Sub County, Iganga District have decried the near-impossible terms set for them to access GROW funds. They have now petitioned their woman member of parliament for Iganga Hon. Kauma Sauda Alibaawo to ask the government for revised terms and conditions. This is to enable them to benefit from the program. The disgruntled women accuse the implementers of the program of charging the money. They are also asking for their land titles and land agreements. They said that such properties are governed by their husbands. These, therefore want the government through their woman MP to intervene and revise the requirements for one to benefit. The women were on Wednesday at Namabwere primary school in Nawandala Sub County. They had gathered in their respective groups to receive over 300 chickens from Hon Alibaawo in her campaign to improve the livelihood of women in Iganga district. Each group was given 50 chicken as start-up capital in their journey to prosperity. Read what some leaders said; Ms Naigambi Lydia from Nawandala Trading Centre says, “They solicited money from us through opening bank accounts and depositing Shs80,000. They also asked for land titles and land agreements from us yet we don’t have such things. I was informed that I needed to have a business with a capital of Shs4m yet my capital was very small.” The chairperson Kisoboka Saving Group in Nawandala Ms. Nakagolo Faith said they were not able to join the program. This is given the many conditions attached. She also asked their woman MP to raise their concerns to the relevant offices. The MP condemned the mode of implementation of the program. She cited that it has turned to benefit the well-off class of women other than the intended group. She further asked the government to intervene saying the current strings attached to the programme are very tight to accommodate a common woman. GROW project is a Government of Uganda initiative that arose out of the need to respond to the needs of women entrepreneurs. This is especially those who want to grow their businesses, sustain their self-employment and create more jobs. Check Also; Iganga District NRM Leaders Urge Museveni To Fulfill Election Promises Of 2021 International Women's Day: Celebrating Progress Towards Equality](https://i0.wp.com/newslexpoint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Iganga-women-decry-tough-terms-to-access-GROW-funds-e1731738339732.jpg?resize=300%2C160&ssl=1)
