Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa, bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania. It has a population of around 49.6 million, of which 8.5 million live in the capital and largest city of Kampala.
Uganda has recently passed a new law that has sent shockwaves through the country’s LGBTQ community. According to Reuters, the “Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023” was passed with a near-unanimous majority by the Country’s lawmakers, and the legislation will be sent to the President to have it signed into law. The report states that the penalty for identifying as LGBTQ includes life in prison, and aggravated homosexuality carries a death sentence.
The new law has sparked fear and anxiety among Uganda’s LGBTQ community, who now face increased persecution and discrimination. Many have gone into hiding, while others have fled the country altogether. This law represents a significant setback for the LGBTQ community, which has been fighting for recognition and acceptance in Uganda for many years.
The international community has also spoken out against the new law, with many calling for it to be repealed. While uncertainty dwells around the impact this new law will have on Uganda’s LGBTQ community, but it is clear that they will continue to face significant challenges in their struggle for equality and acceptance.
