State Department warns against travel to Uganda over Anti-LGBTQI+ law
On Monday, the US Department of State updated its travel warning for Uganda.
The new advisory reads.” Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation.”
The update was issued following the adoption of anti-gay legislation last month.
The update went on to call out the May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act signed by President Yoweri Museveni on May 29.
“The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law, and may be subject to mandatory reporting to the police if they are suspected of committing or intending to commit acts in violation of the law, and could face harassment or attacks by vigilantes,” travel advisory reads.
It also warned allies and supporters of the “dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons,” making them aware that for their open support, they “could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences.”
It also notes that “even private consensual same-sex relations are illegal.”
According to WIO News, the law is considered one of the harshest regarding its stance on homosexuality.
It includes provisions making “aggravated homosexuality” a capital offense and penalties for consensual same-sex relations of up to life in prison.
However, Ugandan officials are not phased by the advisory and consider it “blackmail.”
The outlet shared a statement from Uganda’s Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi, telling AFP the updated travel advisory “was expected, and we are not surprised.”
“However, (the) US should understand that Uganda is a sovereign state which legislates for its people, not for the Western world,” he said.
“They can issue travel advisories as it is within their rights but should be reminded blackmail has no place in (the) modern world.”
“The United States is deeply troubled by Uganda’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, a law that undermines the human rights, prosperity, and welfare of all Ugandans,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement. After the law’s introduction, US President Joe Biden demanded its repeal. He stated it was “a tragic violation of universal human rights.” He solidified his stance, threatening to cut aid and investment in the East African country.
Ultimately President Museveni stood by the law and defied calls to rescind it. His reply was, “no one will move us.”
Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her favorite things to cover include “person of interest” pieces, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything about Beyoncé. Her bylines can be found in Blavity, Black Excellence, Signature Bride, Black Wall Street Times, and HipHop Weekly. Martie can be reached via email at martiebowser@detourxp.com.
This story was originally published June 15, 2023 at 9:00 AM with the headline "State Department warns against travel to Uganda over Anti-LGBTQI+ law."