Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act Deepens Rift with US

Summary:

• Uganda’s upholding of the Anti-Homosexuality Act has deepened a rift with the United States and sparked debate on human rights. US criticism faced backlash from Ugandans, questioning US moral authority. Tensions persist as the US considers withdrawing investments over the anti-gay law.

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KAMPALA, (Examiner) – Uganda’s recent reaffirmation of the Anti-Homosexuality Act has exacerbated tensions between the government and both the United States and various human rights organizations.

The United States has faced accusations of meddling in Uganda’s internal affairs due to its critique of the law. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken openly condemned the Constitutional Court’s decision to uphold the Anti-Homosexuality Act, arguing that it not only violates human rights but also poses significant threats to the well-being of LGBTQI+ individuals.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Blinken expressed his concerns: “Today’s verdict on Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act undermines human rights and public health for all and poses grave threats to LGBTQI+ Ugandans and allies. Uganda’s international reputation and ability to increase foreign investment depend on equality under the law.”

LGBTQI+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual individuals.

Larissa Kojoue, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, echoed Blinken’s sentiments. She criticized the Constitutional Court’s decision, arguing that by upholding most provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, including the death penalty in certain cases, the court sided with hate, violence, and discrimination instead of defending fundamental rights for all Ugandans.

Kojoue stated, “The ruling will have a detrimental impact on all Ugandans, including LGBT people, families, and communities who continue to suffer the stigma that the Anti-Homosexuality Act enshrined into law.”

However, these criticisms have been met with accusations of interference. Many Ugandans, including Chinwe Adebayo, Sheedom Sheedom, and Elham Ishmael, have condemned what they perceive as the United States meddling in their country’s affairs, particularly given ongoing conflicts elsewhere in the world.

Adebayo stated, “We can’t be lectured on human rights by a country (the United States) that supplies bombs and weapons of mass destruction to kill innocent Palestinian children, women, and the elderly. To hell with the US’ double standards.”

Similarly, Sheedom commented, “How about we let Ugandans deal with it themselves? We (the United States) are no longer morally superior to anyone.”

Elham Ishmael added, “Worry about the genocide in Gaza, not Africa. You have the audacity to talk about rights and human rights?”

Despite these criticisms, some voices, like Oscar Malaba and El Tuimising, called for respect for Uganda’s sovereignty and the right to self-governance.

Malaba urged, “Please mind your country’s business and be respectful,” while El Tuimising insisted, “Please leave us (Ugandans) alone with our laws. Africa will survive without aid (from the US).”

Abdirisak Ibrahim also pointed out the perceived hypocrisy of the United States in preaching about human rights while being involved in conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict.

“US government officials shouldn’t be preaching about human rights, especially when they proudly fund the ongoing genocide in Gaza,” Ibrahim argued.

The United States has hinted at the possibility of withdrawing investments from Uganda due to the anti-homosexuality legislation, further straining relations between the two nations.

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