America supports UPDF operations in Congo, sanctions against Maj Gen Kandiho were appropriate says Amb Brown

The United States government has defended her financial sanctions against Maj. Gen. Abel Kandiho saying such sanctions are targeting individuals in government and security forces who are violating human rights and corruption.

According to the U.S ambassador to Uganda HE Natalie Brown ,sanctioning individuals is one of the tools used by the U.S to issue a warning to people and institutions that undermine the democratic process in Uganda therefore more sanctions are on the way as a way of advancing and protecting human rights and respect for rule of law.

Speaking about the sanctions U.S government slapped against CMI Boss Maj Gen Kandiho, Ambassador Natalie pointed out factors they consider while issuing sanctions including corruption, human rights abuses, Gender based violence undemocratic processes among others

Additionally the U.S government is committed to supporting the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces UPDF and D.R Congo forces in their operations against Allied Democratic forces ADF and fighting terrorism in the region.

Speaking to the media at the launch of the report to Ugandan People the US ambassador to Uganda Natalie E Brown, said that terrorism is global threat and any operation aimed at fighting terrorism is highly appreciated and supported by the US government.

She says her government would always stand behind the actions of UPDF and FARDC forces to eliminate ISIL and its allies the ADF.

Natalie said that the 2021 Report to the Ugandan people tells the story of the United States enduring partnership with Ugandan people, focusing on the impact of their work to promote economic growth and employability, improve Health and education, foster democratic values and strengthen security.

The United States, through 13 government agencies, invests almost $1 billion annually in Ugandan communities, says Ambassador Brown.

On his part Richard Nelson the USAID Mission Director added that they would love American companies to invest in Uganda but Uganda is still affected with issues of corruption, transparency and accountability to enable the American companies to invest here.

They however say the Ugandan government should work on such hindrances to interest American investors.

The United States has invested in building Uganda’s coffee sector to increase production and exports and support more women and youth to join the coffee sector and in 2020, Uganda exported an all-time record of more than 6 million bags of coffee, earning over $500 million says USAID Director Richard Nelson.

On matters of health the Center for Diseases Control CDC Director Ms Lisa Nelson said that the American government has set aside over a million doses of COVID-19 vaccines and so far 6.5 vaccines already received in the country, expecting more before the end of the year.

US funding for Health is to build a healthy, vibrant and prosperous society where every Ugandan child, woman and man has the opportunity to achieve their full potential, says Ms Lisa.