WASHINGTON, USA (AFP) — The United States yesterday slapped sanctions on Uganda including cancelling a military air exercise, visa bans, and freezing some aid after Ugandan leaders brought in tough anti-gay laws.

The new legislation signed into law in February “runs counter to universal human rights and complicates our bilateral relationship,” the White House said, as it announced the new steps.

Ugandan officials involved in “human rights abuses” including against the gay community will be barred entry to the United States, national security council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said.

“We are also discontinuing or redirecting funds for certain additional programmes,” she said, pointing to programmes with the police force and the health ministry.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in February signed a bill that calls for “repeat homosexuals” to be jailed for life, outlaws the promotion of homosexuality and obligates people to denounce gays to the authorities.