UGANDA has strongly criticised the response from Western nations regarding its newly enacted anti-LGBTQ law, which is considered one of the most severe in the world. The government denounced the threats of sanctions from international donors, stating that such actions amount to ‘blackmail.’
The law, signed by President Yoweri Museveni, includes the death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality,’ including the transmission of HIV through same-sex relations.
The Western governments’ immediate rebukes and condemnation of the law put at risk the billions of dollars in foreign aid that Uganda receives annually. US President Joe Biden warned of potential aid cuts and sanctions, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned the possibility of visa restrictions against Ugandan officials. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concerns about the law’s impact on Uganda’s international relationships.
In response to the criticism, Ugandan Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi dismissed the condemnation and emphasised that homosexuality is not regarded as a constitutional right in Uganda or Africa. He said, ‘While we appreciate the support we get from partners, they must be reminded that we are a sovereign country and we do not legislate for the Western world. We legislate for our own people here in Uganda. So that kind of blackmail is not acceptable.’
Ugandan activists and lawyers have filed a lawsuit against the law, arguing that it promotes discrimination and stigma and was passed without meaningful public participation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed his belief that the judiciary would find the law in violation of human rights law and the country’s constitution. He described the law as ‘devastating’ but did not specify which aspect of the constitution it violated. The spokesperson further highlighted that the law breached several international laws, including the rights to equality, non-discrimination, and life.
TotalEnergies, a French company involved in developing a $3.5bn oil pipeline between Uganda and Tanzania, stated that its CEO had expressed the company’s position on the bill to President Museveni prior to its signing. The company emphasised its commitment to respecting others as a core value.
The controversy surrounding Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ law continues to escalate, with the government defending its position while facing strong international criticism and potential consequences in terms of foreign aid and diplomatic relations.