As of today, Uganda is no longer eligible for trade benefits under the Africa Growth Opportunity Act in the United States due to severe human rights violations committed during President Kaguta Museveni’s administration 12. The United States Trade Representative has announced that the benefits will be terminated effective January 1, 2024 1. The decision was made based on the results of the annual AGOA eligibility review, which found that Uganda had committed gross violations of internationally recognized human rights 1.
This decision is a significant blow to Uganda’s economy, as the African Growth Opportunity Act provides duty-free access to the US market for more than 1,800 products 2. The Ugandan government has yet to respond to the decision, but it is expected that they will take steps to address the human rights concerns raised by the United States 2.
1: Statement from Ambassador Katherine Tai on the African Growth and Opportunity Act Eligibility Review 2: “US to remove Uganda and three other African countries from Agoa trade deal”
