Uganda reverses perversion push, enacts harsh anti-LGBTQ law including death penalty
Uganda’s President His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today made history by reversing ardent perversion push by signing one of the world’s landmark anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, effectively irking proponents of the morbid practices that goes against the African value systems and societal norms.
Effectively, just like in majority of African countries including Kenya, same-sex relations are illegal in Uganda.
The law now stipulates capital punishment for “serial offenders” against the law and transmission of a terminal illness like HIV/AIDS through gay sex. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality.
Hours later, the United States of America announced plans to withdraw key services and aid offered to Uganda after the signing of the anti-gay bill into law.
Foreign aid has overtime been seen as a tool for manipulation by developed countries against the developing states.
In a terse statement, US President Joe Biden condemned the move terming it as a gross violation of human rights further calling for repealing of the law.
“I join with people around the world—including many in Uganda—in calling for its immediate repeal…We are considering additional steps, including the application of sanctions and restriction of entry into the United States against anyone involved in serious human rights abuses or corruption.” Biden said.
Uganda Parliament unanimously passed the Bill, now enacted into law affirming the sovereignty of the Ugandan government as provided for on the equality of all states in the international system.
Biden added that the Act was a threat to those in Uganda including US citizens.
He said he has directed the National Security Council to evaluate some of the key aids the US is offering to Uganda, a move that will deal a blow to several citizens relying on it.
“As such, I have directed my National Security Council to evaluate the implications of this law on all aspects of U.S. engagement with Uganda, including our ability to safely deliver services under the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and other forms of assistance and investments.” Biden added.
“My Administration will also incorporate the impacts of the law into our review of Uganda’s eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).” The US president said.
However, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is aimed at harnessing intra-Africa trade opportunities.
President William Ruto has previously pronounced Kenya’s stand against same sex marriages and disagreed with the Supreme Court ruling allowing LGBTQ groups to form associations.
