US warns citizens against visiting Uganda over anti-homosexuality law
By Winnie MabelThe United States of America’s Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affiars has urged its citizens against visiting Uganda in light of the recently enacted anti-homosexuality law in the country.
In the travel advisory, the State Department updated their counsel based their revision on the alleged increase of crime, terrorism and anti-Lesbianism, Gay, Transgender, Queer plus attacks and prosecution.
“There remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region. Terrorist attacks occurred in several villages in western Uganda in December 2022 and there were multiple bombings in and around Kampala in 2021. While the attacks did not appear to target foreign nationals, anyone can be a victim. US citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings,” the advisory reads.
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“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, presents a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala and Entebbe, in the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. Local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime in most areas,” the advisory further reads.
On matters to do with homosexuality, the US State Department said persons who are part of the queer community or those perceived to be members were at risk of prosecution and life imprisonment.
“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. Supporters of the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including those of youth under the age of 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences,” the department warned its citizens.
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However, America citizens who are still interested in visiting Uganda have been advised to remain vigilant at all times and always carry their identification documents on their person.
Last month, President Yoweri Museveni signed into law a bill that sought to make homosexuality illegal and with heavier punishments for anyone found to be intimately engaging with someone of the same sex. The President and Parliament celebrated this new law, saying it was a means to protecting the family unit and protecting their culture and traditions.
Hours after President Museveni assented, America’s President Joe Biden termed the law as shameful and a tragic violation of universal human rights. The US President also tasked his National Security Council to review America’s aid to Uganda – $1 billion a year – as part of the sanctions against Uganda.
Several Ugandan politicians who backed this new law were also banned from entering America and their visas revoked.
Also read: You can go abroad for same sex marriages, Gachagua tells homosexuals