The law is not the first but could be the first in the world to ban identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer(LGBTQ).
Members of Parliament yesterday 22nd March 2023 overwhelmingly passed the anti-homosexuality bill pending President Museveni’s signature. In 2013 amidst all foreign intimidation the President signed the bill into law, though the implementation was weak.
MP David Bahati said during the debate that God is unhappy with whatever is happening…and for that reason voted for the bill to protect the sovereignty of the country. Legislators amended significant part of the original draft law with more emphasis to punish a broader array of LGBTQ activities which they claim threatens traditional and religious values.
The bill proposes tough penalties for same sex relationships and crimalises any individual identifying as LGBTQ. Human Rights Watch including Frank Mugisha Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, a dominant gay rights organisation whose operations was suspended last year described the discussion as homophobic and a mix-up of child sexual abuse with consensual same-sex activity between adults.
In recent months, LGBTQ individuals have been living in fear in several parts of the country as police enforce the bill by arresting more than 30 victims. Families of the victims too have abandoned and neglected them claiming they bring shame to them and the entire community. For years it has been alleged that several international organisations are shadow sponsors of LGBTQ though not yet proven.
