Museveni Ramps Up Anti-LGBT Rhetoric Ahead of Controversial Ugandan Bill
Uganda’s long-time president, Yoweri Museveni, has slammed LGBTQ people as “outliers” in a fiery speech before lawmakers. This comes just days before a new anti-LGBT bill — set to impose brutal jail terms for same-sex relationships — goes to a vote.
Harsh New Laws Threaten LGBTQ Community
The proposed legislation would criminalise same-sex activity and identifying as LGBTQ, with offenders facing up to 10 years behind bars. Museveni spoke of probing whether homosexuality is “nature or nurture” and promised a “thorough” medical review, signalling a crackdown on the community.
Human rights groups worldwide have slammed the bill. It’s also fuelled wild conspiracy theories claiming shady foreign forces are pushing homosexuality onto Uganda.
Museveni Fires Back at Western Critics
In a defiant tone, Museveni told Western nations to stop forcing their values on Uganda. He pointed to how “cousins and close relatives” marry in Europe — a practice frowned upon in Uganda — asking, “Should we penalise them?”
Uganda’s Troubled History of LGBT Laws
- Same-sex acts have been banned since colonial times.
- In 2014, a harsh bill proposing life imprisonment for gay sex passed but was later annulled.
- Since independence in 1962, no one has been convicted for consensual gay activity.
International outrage over Uganda’s anti-LGBT stance has previously led Western countries to freeze or reroute millions in aid.
Opposition Boycotts and Rising Repression
Opposition MPs refused to attend Museveni’s speech, protesting ongoing human rights abuses. There have been reports of illegal detentions, disappearances, attacks on journalists, imprisoned lawyers, and internet shutdowns aiming to silence dissent.
