In a diplomatic exchange, President Museveni addressed President Joe Biden a month ago, expressing his reservations about the decision to suspend Uganda from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
A month prior to the letter, President Museveni had taken proactive measures by dispatching a delegation led by Odrek Rwabwogo, the Chairperson of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development, to the United States. The primary mission of this delegation was to advocate against Uganda’s expulsion from AGOA, underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustaining its participation in the AGOA trade deal.
Despite these efforts, President Biden, considering various factors, officially removed Uganda from AGOA. Three other countries, Central African Republic, Gabon, and Niger, were also delisted as they were deemed not to meet the necessary requirements to continue benefiting from the trade deal.
In an official statement, President Biden declared, “Accordingly, I have decided to terminate the designations of the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda as beneficiary sub-Saharan African countries for purposes of section 506A of the Trade Act, effective January 1, 2024.”
The initial reason behind the US decision to strike Uganda off AGOA was attributed to alleged gross violations of rights. In response, President Museveni contended that the US had overestimated its significance and value to Uganda.
Museveni sought to reassure Ugandans, stating, “Some of these actors in the Western world overestimate themselves and underestimate the freedom fighters of Africa. As far as Uganda is concerned, we can achieve our growth and transformation targets, even if some of the actors do not support us.”
