Last Updated on: 26th March 2023, 05:04 pm
Weeks after the Parliament of Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, pressure has mounted on Uganda, with some countries in the West calling on President Museveni Kaguta Museveni, not to assent to the Bill.
The Bill, among others, once passed into Law will see a person found guilty of aggravated homosexuality given the death penalty.
Some activists, including lawyers, have criticized this Bill – including the Parliament. United States, Canada, Kenya, and South African politicians have all condemned Uganda for fighting the homosexual (LGBTQ) community in the country.
Locally, some have questioned Uganda’s priorities when it comes to legislation. The House’s leadership has been asked why they often leave out key issues to discuss.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among has come out to say she’s getting threats over the Bill. Among seems adamant and won’t mind if she is stopped from flying to the United States or Europe.
“I am delighted to join the community of Namilyango College as the school celebrates 121 years of existence. I thank the school for producing great men making positive contributions to our country,” Among Tweeted on Sunday.
She added: “I pledged to ensure that the Parliament of Uganda pays attention to the needs of schools during the budgeting process. My call to all schools is to desist from hiking fees as parents are struggling to keep their children in school.”
On homosexuality, Among said in the same Tweet: “I asked the Leadership of Namilyango College to resist attempts to spread the vice of Homosexuality among our children in schools. We have done our part to make a law against the vice and I ask all parents to join the fight.”
Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, the Deputy Director of the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch recalled past court’s verdict on the same, saying: “When the Constitutional Court struck down the former Anti-Homosexuality Act on procedural grounds, the court did not take the opportunity to affirm the rights to freedom of expression, association, and privacy, which are provided for in the country’s constitution.”
“Instead of targeting LGBT people, Ugandan politicians should affirm these fundamental human rights apply to all Ugandans, including vulnerable minorities,” she added.