Growing Anti-Gay Sentiment Spurs Increased Exodus of LGBTQ+ Individuals from Uganda

Escalating Anti-Gay Sentiment Drives Growing Exodus of LGBTQ+ Individuals Escaping Uganda

Pretty Peter, a transgender woman residing in neighboring Kenya, anxiously scrolled through frantic messages from her friends back in Uganda. The recent surge in anti-gay legislation, including the introduction of the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” has instilled fear among the LGBTQ+ community. Many Ugandans, like Pretty Peter’s friends, now seek a way to escape the country, leading to a rise in their exodus to Kenya. Some individuals have resorted to staying indoors, concerned about being targeted in the wake of the new law.

According to Pretty Peter, the government’s validation of homophobia has emboldened attackers, resulting in a noticeable change in attitudes among neighbors. Consequently, her friends are working towards obtaining necessary documents and funds for transportation, desperate to find refuge in Kenya. However, this proves challenging, as some messages express the hardships faced by those wishing to flee, with limited resources and lacking passports.

Uganda has long criminalized homosexuality under a colonial-era law, imposing life imprisonment for engaging in same-sex activities deemed “against the order of nature.” Pretty Peter, who chose her name to protect her safety, fled Uganda in 2019 after witnessing the arrest of 150 people at a gay club, their subsequent public humiliation, and charges of public nuisance. The recent legislation, signed by President Yoweri Museveni, has faced international condemnation and raised concerns among human rights activists. While the final version of the law did not criminalize individuals based on their LGBTQ+ identity, it does impose the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes cases involving HIV infection, minors, and other vulnerable groups. Attempted aggravated homosexuality can result in up to 14 years of imprisonment, while promoting homosexuality carries a 20-year sentence, impacting journalists, activists, and advocates.

In response to the law, President Joe Biden denounced it as a tragic violation of universal human rights, while the United Nations human rights office expressed deep dismay. The joint statement by the leaders of prominent organizations involved in HIV response emphasized that Uganda’s progress in fighting the epidemic is now at risk due to the law’s potential interference with health education and outreach efforts.

Although activists and academics are challenging the law’s enforcement through legal means, LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda have been profoundly affected by the growing anti-gay sentiment. The new legislation represents the culmination of years of efforts by lawmakers, religious leaders, and other influential figures. Supporters of the bill demonstrated their fervency when scores of university students marched to the parliamentary chambers in Kampala, expressing gratitude for enacting the law. The bill’s introduction came shortly after the Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex civil marriages, which sparked outrage among religious leaders in various African countries. More than 30 African nations criminalize homosexuality, with some perceiving it as a foreign import rather than a sexual orientation.

Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba, the top Anglican cleric in Uganda, publicly declared the withdrawal of recognition for the Archbishop of Canterbury as the spiritual leader of the Anglican communion. While he praised lawmakers and the president for passing the law, he advocated for life imprisonment rather than the death penalty for severe homosexual offenses.

Indications of an impending anti-gay bill arose in late 2022 following reports of alleged sodomy in boarding schools. A prominent school was marred by accusations from a mother who claimed that a male teacher had sexually abused her son. Even displays of solidarity or support for the LGBTQ+ community have been met with hostility. In Entebbe, a tower painted in rainbow colors within a children’s park had to be modified due to objections from offended residents who associated it with LGBTQ+ themes. Mayor Fabrice Rulinda supported this decision, emphasizing the need to protect children from corrupt influences.

Observing the events from Kenya, Pretty Peter acknowledged the recent surge of negative sentiment towards the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. She described the administration of President Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, as flexing its muscles. While Kenya provides a relatively safer haven in the region, despite criminalizing same-sex relationships, Pretty Peter expressed concerns about the level of security it offers. Nonetheless, Kenya is home to approximately 1,000 LGBTQ+ refugees and remains the only country in the region that grants asylum based on sexual orientation, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency.

Despite residing in a secluded safe house on the outskirts of Nairobi, a lingering sense of threat persists among LGBTQ+ individuals. Pretty Peter shared previous experiences of eviction due to discomfort among neighbors, who accused them of bringing unfavorable values to their children. Additionally, they recounted an attack at a club in Nairobi, highlighting the constant need for vigilance and personal safety precautions.

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More about Exodus of LGBTQ+ individuals from Uganda due to anti-gay legislation

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• Uganda passes anti-gay bill imposing death penalty
• Uganda’s anti-gay law jeopardizes progress in HIV response
• Kenya hosts thousands of LGBTQ+ refugees
• International outcry over Uganda’s anti-gay legislation