The United States has recently revised its travel advisory for the country, issuing a heightened warning in response to Uganda’s implementation of stringent anti-gay laws.
A recent advisory states, “Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation.”
According to the State Department, the United States has revised its travel warning for Uganda in light of the recent implementation of oppressive anti-gay laws.
The updated advisory urges individuals to reconsider their travel plans to Uganda due to concerns related to crime, terrorism, and discriminatory legislation targeting the LGBTQI+ community.
The advisory emphasizes that the new Anti-Homosexuality Act increases the risk of prosecution and severe penalties, including life imprisonment or death, for individuals perceived to be LGBTQI+.
On May 29, President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill into law, sparking widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, the United Nations, LGBTQ activists, and Western nations.
The legislation is regarded as one of the most severe of its kind globally, as it includes provisions that designate “aggravated homosexuality” as a capital offense and impose penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relationships.
The U.S. State Department has cautioned that LGBTQI+ individuals or those perceived to be LGBTQI+ in Uganda face the potential for harassment, imprisonment, blackmail, and violence. The advisory also highlights the risk of attacks by “vigilantes.”
“Be mindful that any public identification with the LGBTQI+ community, as either a member or supporter, could be grounds for prosecution, and that even private consensual same-sex relations are illegal.”
In May, US President Joe Biden strongly criticized the measures and urged for their immediate repeal, describing them as a “tragic violation of universal human rights.” He also warned of potential consequences, including the possibility of cutting aid and investment to Uganda.
However, despite international pressure, President Museveni recently reaffirmed his position and refused to rescind the law, stating that Uganda would not be swayed by external influence. He asserted, “no one will move us.”
The legislation enjoys widespread support in Uganda, which is a predominantly conservative Christian country. Lawmakers in the country have defended the measures, arguing that they serve as a crucial defense against what they perceive as Western immorality and values.
