Life in prison for anyone who says he or she is gay. Anyone not reporting noticing same sex activities face long prison terms as well.
This anti LGBTQ bill was passed by the Ugandan parliament Tuesday night and makes it the strictest anti gay bills in the world.
Amnesty International today urged President Yoweri Museveni to veto this appalling legislation, which was passed following a rushed vote on Tuesday evening. The law, dubbed the ‘2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill’, amounts to a grave assault on LGBTQ people and is contemptuous of the Ugandan constitution.
“This ambiguous, vaguely worded law even criminalizes those who ‘promote’ homosexuality or ‘attempt to commit the offence of homosexuality’. In reality, this deeply repressive legislation will institutionalize discrimination, hatred, and prejudice against LGBTI people, including those who are perceived to be LGBTI and block the legitimate work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders.
In 2014 when similar legislation threatened the safety of Ugandans and also visitors, the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board at that time Stephen Asiimwe assured eTurboNews publisher Juergen Steinmetz, and CNN Anchor Richard Quest in a frank discussion on the sideline of ITB Berlin 2014 that the Uganda Tourism Board will guaranteed the safety of gay tourists to their country and to go even a step further and welcome gay travelers to enjoy the beauty of their tourism destination.” This statement was widely published on eTurboNews.
According to Mr. Asiimwe, “no gay visitor to our country will be harassed or not welcome for the only reason that he or she may be gay. Cultural policies are important in Uganda. We ask visitors to respect them. They include touching in public for example or engaging in sex with children.”
Coming out of the COVID pandemic tourism is one of the most important exports to the Republic of Uganda.
The fact that anyone who simply says he or she is gay, that any citizen, and even journalists supporting LGBT issues is facing life in prison in Uganda, makes travel to this country dangerous.
Anyone can be accused of “this crime”, and according to social media reports this witch hunt accusing enemies or neighbors already started.
eTurboNews had covered Uganda tourism for more than 20 years and extensively.
eTN Publisher speaking on behalf of eTurboNews and as the chairman of the World Tourism Network today informed Lily Ajarova, head of the Uganda Tourism Board of the following:
Hi Lily. Don’t take this personally – i really respect you and your hard work , but I am sorry to say but eTurboNews will stop covering Uganda tourism stories immediately after the anti LGBT bill was passed.
This bill makes it dangerous for anyone to consider uganda as a holiday destination and the protection of our readers, the public and members is our duty and highest obligation.We urge you representing the tourism industry to take a stand and suggest your president to veto this bill.
Juergen Steinmetz, eTN Publisher
“eTurboNews will continue to cover all issues in regards to the development of this situation, and is ready to restart our extensive coverage once this bill is vetoed.
“Uganda remains a beautiful African country to visit, with friendly ,smiling people that wants to share their home with visitors, says Steinmetz. ” Let’s hope the global tourism industry can work with Uganda to allow visitors to safely visit this country and explore the stunning beauty of Destination Uganda”, Steinmetz concluded.
Sorry, but you do not understand the issue.
No one says child abuse is what anyone should accept.
Child abuse is a crime in any civilized country.
This is about making it a criminal offense if an adult person simply is attracted to the same sex – nothing more.
LGBTQ people don’t abuse or rape, only criminals do.
We are not talking about criminals.
The travel industry should be alarmed, and all stakeholders should help our friends in Uganda to make sure our sector will not suffer.
Human rights are everyones business.
The Uganda Tourism industry needs to make immediately representation to the government to withdraw this law as it will seriously affect their tourism businesses – it is important that this happens as soon as possible!
Lets get the fact straight. No Gay or Lesbian Adults are being killed or hurt in Uganda.
However, anal sex has been on the rise in the last months of 2022 where organised adult man have been forcing their penis into the anus of minors.
Can you imagine it has reached the level for this poor country young generation lured into homosexuality and lesbianism for money.
The anus of a minor is believed to be still virgin before age of 18 to start having anal sex. The cost of medication to fix the anus for the victims is way too high and most families cant afford it.
It is evident that almost each family in Uganda has lost someone to the deadly HIV virus, some still struggling to cope up with the rise in cost of HIV/Aids drugs/medication to treat those who are infected in the homes.
FYI, Its against most Ugandan cultures for young people below 18 years to start engaging in all kinds of sex. For mature people, it is fine to do whatever you want with your body.