Uganda has become a place of harsh realities for its LGBT community since the prison sentence or a fine was mandated for homosexual acts -the world’s harshest anti-gay law. It’s now an offence for landlords to rent to LGBT persons, for businesses to hire them, for bars and clubs to welcome them, or for friends to offer them safe haven. The law as now enacted has raised the question of what the future holds for Uganda.
The Current State of LGBT Rights in Uganda
Before the new law, Uganda was not considered to be particularly LGBT friendly. Same-sex conduct had always been criminalized and still is acceptable today. However, the current law has gone too far. The harsh sentences attached to it have had a chilling effect on the Ugandan LGBT community at large. There is an increase in violence, abuse, and harassment. Most members of the community reportedly face higher levels of depression, anxiety, and physical survival. On the other hand, religious leaders support the homophobic legislation and even recently endorsed cleaning the streets of homosexuals.
Economic Implications
The law poses economic risks for Uganda because of the international backlash experienced. Tourists and foreign investors have been facing harassment. Businesses have lost significant sums of money as a result of the increase in discrimination. The rapid decline of Uganda’s tourism industry becomes evident when the international press makes its critique of the law. Canada issued travel warnings to its citizens to avoid Uganda. In 2014, the Ugandan Tourism Board registered a drop in visitors from the U.S., Japan, Germany, Australia, and Canada.
International Response
The new law caused international uproar. The U.S. and EU cut off $118 million in direct assistance to Uganda’s government. The president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, responded by saying the country could do without foreign assistance. However, some non-governmental organizations have kept their funding. Protests, campaigns, and boycotts aimed at the government and business in Uganda have been happening internationally, with some successes: two British universities relocated their courses from Uganda and a few UK businesses have suspended their collaboration with Ugandan partners.
Conclusion
Uganda’s president stated in an address that he will not apologize for Uganda’s law, as it’s the Ugandan population’s wish to have the law. Worldwide, events hosted by Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda and Zambia are spreading homophobic speeches, rumors, and laws, damaging the already delicate social fabric of these countries. It is essential to point out – this isn’t just about the LGBT community – Uganda must find a way forward that doesn’t forget the past but builds for a better future.
