UGANDA’S President Yoweri Museveni has spoken out in defence of signing one of the world’s strictest anti-LGBTQ laws, which includes severe punishments, including the death penalty. Museveni argued that the law was necessary to prevent what he described as the ‘recruitment’ of individuals he believed were ‘disoriented’ within the LGBTQ community.
These remarks from Museveni mark his first public comments since he signed the bill into law, sparking widespread condemnation from Western countries. US President Joe Biden and others have threatened to cut aid to Uganda and impose sanctions in response to the legislation.
During a meeting with lawmakers fro
m his National Resistance Movement party, Museveni expressed his determination, saying, ‘The signing is finished, nobody will move us.’ A statement released by his office late on Wednesday outlined his stance.
The anti-LGBTQ law introduces capital punishment for ‘serial offenders’ and individuals who transmit terminal illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS, through same-sex intercourse. It also imposes harsh penalties, including a 20-year prison sentence, for ‘promoting’ homosexuality.
Museveni informed his party’s lawmakers that he had extensively consulted experts before signing the law, attempting to ascertain whether homosexuality was genetically determined. He claimed to have been convinced by these experts that it was not a genetic trait but rather a form of ‘psychological disorientation.’
He stated, ‘The problem is that, yes, you are disoriented. You have got a problem to yourself. Now, don’t try to recruit others. If you try to recruit people into a disorientation, then we go for you. We punish you.’ Museveni further asserted his support for the death penalty in cases of child rape.
The law also imposes a life sentence for same-sex intercourse
and a 20-year prison term for promoting homosexuality. Additionally, media outlets and non-governmental organisations found to be knowingly promoting LGBTQ activities will face severe fines.
It is important to note that homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda, a conservative and predominantly religious country, and individuals identifying as LGBTQ faced discrimination and harassment, including from security forces.
