Uganda: Recently, Uganda joined other member states of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in passing strict legislation through Parliament targeting individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. The new law criminalizes activities such as same-sex intercourse, the promotion of homosexuality, and even conspiracy to engage in homosexual acts.
They imposed punishments under the law, including death for “aggravated homosexuality” and life imprisonment for gay sex.
According to reports, 387 out of 389 lawmakers have supported the Bill, with only two voting against it. The decision now lies with President Yoweri Museveni, who has historically been against LGBTQ+ rights, to approve or reject it.
Uganda was under British protection from 1894 to 1962 and became a member of the Commonwealth in the same year. The country made its debut at the Commonwealth Games in Vancouver in 1954.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, there was a significant emphasis on LGBTQ+ rights throughout the Commonwealth. This was partly due to the efforts of English diver Tom Daley, who highlighted the issue during the Opening Ceremony and also in a documentary that was broadcast by the BBC.
During the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the fact that more than half of the member states still criminalize homosexuality was highlighted. However, it was also noted that many of these laws were established during the colonial era as anti-gay measures.
Katie Sadleir, the CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), stated during the event that while the organization cannot alter the laws of individual countries, it can provide a secure space for individuals to engage in discussion about challenging issues.
Before the recent law was enacted, LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda were already subjected to discrimination and violence. In August of the previous year, the government of Uganda mandated the shutdown of Sexual Minorities Uganda, an advocacy organization.
While advocates of the new legislation have asserted that punishing behavior that challenges traditional and conservative values is necessary, critics such as Human Rights Watch have denounced the Bill as discriminatory.
According to the Associated Press, opposition politician Fox Odoi criticized the legislation as “ill-conceived” and “unconstitutional,” while lawyer Sarah Kasande from Kampala contended that it “encourages hatred.”
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