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Uganda’s government has openly criticized the United States for expanding visa restrictions on its officials, framing the move as an imposition of an “LGBT agenda” in Africa.

These new restrictions, announced by the US on Monday, are aimed at unnamed Ugandan officials believed to be involved in undermining democracy and oppressing marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQ community. This development follows Uganda’s implementation of one of the world’s strictest anti-gay laws in May, which includes the death penalty for certain homosexual acts.

Ugandan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Okello Oryem questioned the US decision, asking, “Why don’t they impose the same sanctions on the Middle East countries which have the same or harsher laws against LGBT?” He added, “If they deny our MPs visas they will (go) to Shanghai, Guangzhou. There are very many beautiful places to visit.”

The enactment of Uganda’s anti-gay law has reportedly led to increased violence and discrimination against the LGBTQ community, as highlighted in a September report by rights groups. In response to Uganda’s stance on LGBTQ rights, the United States imposed an initial round of visa restrictions in June, and the World Bank suspended new lending to Uganda in August.