Contrary to popular belief, Ugandans are not the one to blame for their seemingly “backward” customs: Uganda’s deeply-ingrained, homophobic standards are actually Western-imported norms that were first introduced by British colonizers. Prior to European invasion, African society was tolerant towards homosexuals; it wasn’t until the British passed two exclusive laws in 1902 and 1950 that homophobia was “legalized” in Uganda. Even now, the English still hold influence in the country through the current national penal code－ another remnant of colonial times－ that proposes life imprisonment for “any person [that goes] against the order of nature” (Sexual Minorities Uganda). In this manner, Ugandans are not only taught that homosexuals are borderline inhuman but also that homosexuality is a reprehensible mental disease and crime.This long-standing heterosexual status quo has hindered progress towards societal acceptance by urging Ugandans to ostracize their fellow peers. LGBT individuals, especially those that are vocal about pursuing justice, often face eviction, familial disapproval, mob justice, and censorship for their “abnormal” identities (Sexual Minorities Uganda). In 2011, a journalist published a tabloid article that condemned pro-homosexual sentiment in Uganda and listed contact information for notable LGBT leaders, ultimately prompting an unnamed assailant to bludgeon and fatally wound native activist David Kato (Damon, Mortenson). In other words, sexuality has literally become the difference between life and death for Ugandans.
Moreover, homophobia has also taken root as a distinct political culture that has turned the conservative, Catholic state government against its LGBT citizens. In 2009, State Financial Minister David Bahati proposed the infamous Anti-Homosexuality “Kill the Gays” Bill that was eventually signed by President Yoweri Museveni in 2014 (Teeman). Although it was voided later that year after being deemed unjust by the nation’s constitutional courts, the law would have allowed for the hanging of all homosexuals caught in Uganda (Human Rights Watch).
Still, the government continues to allow frequent police raids and cruel demonstrations to stifle the growing LGBT movement. In December, law enforcement directed by Ethics and Integrity State Minister Simon Lokodo stopped the Kumpala Queer Film Festival because the documentaries were supposedly too “pornographic” (Human Rights Watch). Yet, this isn’t the first time that such raids have happened: a 2012 human rights educational workshop and 2015 through 2017 LGBT Pride Uganda events were completely shut down by police as well (Teeman).
In response, activists have become even more determined to secure their rights to free speech and assembly as outlined in the Ugandan Constitution (Human Rights Watch). This year, LGBT groups are attempting to organize Pride Uganda 2018 by reaching out to the government and police for permission to proceed. Their aim is to improve LGBT-state relations, but if anything, it seems that progress can only be achieved if the government and local population are willing to part from their stubborn, parochial views. Until both parties realize the need for change, LGBT Ugandans will continue to be trampled underfoot by the homophobic sticklers of society (Teeman).
Works Cited
“And That's How I Survived Being Killed: Testimonies of Human Rights Abuses from Uganda's
Sexual and Gender Minorities.” Sexual Minorities Uganda, Apr. 2016, http://sexualminoritiesuganda.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/And-Thats-How-I-Survived_Report_Final.pdf. Accessed 11 Mar. 2018.
Damon, Arwa, Antonia Mortenson, "LGBT in Uganda: Seeking acceptance from family,
homeland." CNN Wire, 30 Dec. 2013. Global Issues in Context, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A354233303/GIC?u=los42754&xid=3841ef0d. Accessed 6 Mar. 2018.
Englander, Daniel. “Protecting the Human Rights of LGBT People in Uganda in the Wake of
Uganda's ‘Anti Homosexuality Bill, 2009’.” Emory University School of Law, 3 Nov. 2011, law.emory.edu/eilr/content/volume-25/issue-3/comments/protecting-rights-lgbt-uganda-
homosexuality-bill-2009.html#section-6f8b79f3246b0c1e1780bb4d4d5dc53. Accessed 8 Mar. 2018.
“Pan-Africa ILGA Annual Report 2016-2017.” Pan Africa ILGA, Pan-African International
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association, 2017, panafricailga.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/PAI_Annual-Report_2017.pdf. Accessed 8 Mar. 2018.
Teeman, Tim. “LGBT Ugandans Plan First Pride Since Brutal 2016 Crackdown.” The Daily
Beast, The Daily Beast Company, 6 Mar. 2018, www.thedailybeast.com/lgbt-ugandans-plan-first-pride-since-brutal-2016-crackdown. Accessed 8 Mar. 2018.
“Uganda: Police Raid Queer Kampala Film Festival.” Human Rights Watch, 15 Dec. 2017,
www.hrw.org/news/2017/12/15/uganda-police-raid-queer-kampala-film-festival. Accessed 8 Mar. 2018.
I liked that your article was very cohesive, which made your article immaculate and easy to read. My main take-away is that the homophobic traditions in Uganda are deeply ingrained due to colonial rule and customs.
ReplyDeleteFollow-up question: Was the Kill the Gays bill actually called that? What was its actual name?
I really liked your article! The title was really engaging, and your article flowed really well. My main take-away is that homophobia was engrained in Ugandans by colonists. Does it look like the pride parade will be allowed to happen, or will the government shut it down?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of your article was that you specifically cited several laws and words from the government itself. This shows that you are very informed about this topic. My main takeaway is that both locals and the government are homophobic, which makes it especially difficult to incite change in Uganda. Do you think it is possible to convince the general population before changing government policies?
ReplyDelete