KAMPALA, May 29 – Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law one of the world’s most severe anti-LGBTQ measures, which includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” This move comes despite strong condemnations from Western nations and the possibility of aid sanctions.
While same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as in over 30 African countries, the new law specifically targets lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. It introduces capital punishment for certain behaviors, such as engaging in gay sex while HIV-positive, and imposes a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality.
“The Ugandan president has today legalized state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia,” expressed Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist. “It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTIQ community, our allies, and all of Uganda.”
Byarugaba and other activists are determined to challenge the law legally. A photo tweeted by Uganda’s presidency shows Museveni signing the law at his desk with a golden pen. The 78-year-old leader has previously referred to homosexuality as a “deviation from normal.”
A less stringent anti-LGBTQ law passed in 2014 was overturned by a domestic court on procedural grounds, following initial aid suspensions, visa restrictions, and limited security cooperation by Western governments.
Uganda, which relies heavily on foreign aid, could face another round of sanctions as a result of this latest law. Major health initiatives, including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), have expressed concern that the law will seriously jeopardize Uganda’s fight against HIV.
The U.S. government, through PEPFAR, has been evaluating the impact of the new legislation on its activities in Uganda, particularly related to HIV/AIDS programs.
The European Union, United Nations, and a coalition of international companies, including Google, have also condemned the legislation since its initial passage in March.
Museveni had encouraged lawmakers to resist “pressure from the imperialists,” while parliament speaker Anita Among congratulated her colleagues for their stance.
“With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues, the Members of Parliament, for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country,” she stated in a released statement.
The enactment of this law may embolden lawmakers in neighboring Kenya and Tanzania who are seeking to implement similar measures.
The LGBTQ community in Uganda is living in fear, with many closing their social media accounts and seeking refuge in safe houses. Some are even considering leaving the country.
Museveni had previously sent the original bill back to lawmakers, requesting certain provisions to be toned down. The amended version clarified that merely identifying as LGBTQ is not a crime and revised a provision that obligated individuals to report homosexual activity, making it mandatory only when a child is involved.
