Uganda Defiant: Unfazed by US Travel Advisory Despite Anti-Gay Law
The Ugandan government has stated that it is unconcerned by the United States’ decision to issue a travel advisory warning its citizens against traveling to the Yoweri Museveni-led nation following the passage of an anti-homosexuality law.
The US Embassy in Uganda issued the advisory on June 12, citing the risks of crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
According to the embassy, members of the LGBTQI+ community can be prosecuted and sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty.
In a Wednesday response, Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Henry Okello Oryem stated that the Ugandan government will continue to prioritize its interests despite Western pressure.
The Monitor quotes Oryem as saying, “The American government has the right to issue advisory notes as it sees fit in the interest of its citizens, but we will not be intimidated, bullied, or repressed into doing anything that is not in Uganda’s best interests.”
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Oryem added that despite the travel advisory, relations between Kampala and Washington remain cordial.
We have been conversing with them. The President of Uganda met with the American ambassador, the highest level of engagement possible. This is not the first time that the United States has issued advisories. Friends disagree, but they overcome their differences and remain friends,” he said.
Uganda’s anti-gay law, which has been described as one of the harshest in the world. Stipulates the death penalty for “serial offenders” who transmit a terminal illness such as HIV/AIDS through gay sex or have same-sex relations with a disabled person.
In addition, it stipulates a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality and a life sentence for same-sex coitus.
According to the law, corporations, including the media and non-governmental organizations. That knowingly promote LGBTQ activity are subject to severe penalties.
Uganda Defiant: Unfazed by US Travel Advisory Despite Anti-Gay Law
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