Safety and Security for LGBTQI+ Tourists on Safaris in Uganda in 2024
Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda in 2024?
Below are recommendations by an American living in Uganda for some years.
Ensuring LGBTQI+ Tourist Safety on Safaris in Uganda: A Perspective from Uganda! Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda in 2024?
Uganda has its laws regarding LGBTQI+ individuals, like most African countries. Those laws were revised in 2023. It’s important to note that these laws have been subject to historical and ongoing debates and discussions. The British Colonial government initially introduced them, and there have been previous attempts to introduce stricter legislation. However, the “Kill the Gays Bill” was declared unconstitutional by the constitutional court of Uganda.
While these laws exist, it is worth mentioning that the Uganda Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism have previously stated that Uganda is a safe destination for LGBTQI+ visitors on a safari. Some tour operators, such as Kabiza Wilderness Safaris, have openly welcomed gay visitors and facilitated their experiences, including gorilla and wildlife safaris.
Although the number of LGBTQI+ tourists in Uganda may not be significant, many visitors from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Europe express support for the LGBTQI+ community.
Ultimately, the decision to visit Uganda on a safari as an LGBTQI+ individual should be based on personal judgment and consideration. Assessing personal comfort levels and making an informed decision regarding safety and well-being is recommended. Seeking advice from local LGBTQI+ organizations or specialized travel agencies experienced in LGBTQI+ travel may provide additional insights and support in making an informed choice.
BBC Report: The Ugandan Supreme Court is considering the law’s legality. According to BBC, there is a thriving community, but it is underground.
Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda in 2024?
Safety Considerations for LGBTQI+ Tourists on a Safari in Uganda in 2023: When it comes to LGBTQI+ tourists on a safari in Uganda, it is essential to understand the cultural context and societal attitudes. Public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation, are generally frowned upon and considered culturally inappropriate in Uganda.
President Museveni has emphasized the importance of privacy, stating that he has never publicly kissed his wife. The cultural norm is that what happens in private spaces, such as the home or the bedroom, should remain private.
In 2014, Uganda passed an Anti-Homosexuality Act; however, it was later overturned by the constitutional court. While there is no longer a specific law criminalizing homosexuality, it is essential to recognize that societal attitudes toward LGBTQI+ individuals remain primarily conservative. Traditional religious groups, including Catholics, Anglicans, Born Again Christians, and Muslims, have supported laws that preserve what they perceive as conventional African family values.
It is worth noting that international pressure and economic threats from the US State Department and the European Union have strained relations and could potentially push Uganda closer to countries like Russia and China, with different stances on LGBTQI+ rights.
LGBTQI+ visitors to Uganda are generally advised to exercise discretion regarding their sexual orientation in public. This means being mindful of local customs and norms and avoiding public displays of affection that may attract unwanted attention or adverse reactions.
It is also important to note that anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments exist in many other African countries, even those without specific anti-homosexuality laws. Recent incidents, such as the refusal of lodging to two men in a different African country based on assumptions about their sexual orientation, highlight the prevalent societal attitudes.
Ultimately, LGBTQI+ individuals considering a safari in Uganda or any other African country should carefully assess their safety, consult with local LGBTQI+ organizations or travel agencies experienced in LGBTQI+ travel, and make informed decisions based on their comfort levels and the prevailing cultural and legal landscapes.
Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda in 2024?
Safety Considerations for LGBTQI+ Tourists on a Safari in Uganda in 2023: Caution should be exercised when considering a safari in Uganda as an LGBTQI+ tourist.
Recent developments in the country have seen a rise in anti-homosexual rhetoric from various sources, including local news outlets, government officials, parliament, and President Museveni. These sentiments were emphasized during President Museveni’s address to African Parliament members, echoing the concerns of the Christian and Muslim communities.
Like others in Africa, many Ugandans perceive Western nations as threatening their cultural values, suspecting that money is being used to promote Western cultural norms. In 2023, there was a notable incident where a gay pride flag was flown in response to the American Embassy on Ggaba Road during gay pride month, further fueling tensions.
While the “Kill the Gays Bill” was previously thrown out by the Constitutional Court on a technicality, it is unlikely that a similar outcome will occur again. The new law is more stringent, potentially leading to the arrest of individuals who are aware of LGBTQI+ people and fail to report them.
Given the current situation and the lack of clarity from the government, it is not recommended for members of the LGBTQI+ community to visit Uganda on a safari in 2023. Tour operators and the Uganda Tourism Board can no longer guarantee the safety of LGBTQI+ travelers as they have done in the past.
It is essential for LGBTQI+ individuals to prioritize their safety and well-being when making travel decisions and to consider destinations where their rights and security can be more assured. Consulting with LGBTQI+ organizations and seeking advice from travel agencies experienced in LGBTQI+ travel can provide valuable insights and support in making informed choices.
Visit Uganda in 2023 since we, as tour operators, cannot guarantee their safety as in the past.
Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda in 2024? The Anti-homosexuality Bill’s Effect on Tourism in 2024
Uganda has faced significant negative international attention, causing LGBTQI+ tourists to remove it from their travel plans. This negative perception has also led straight tourists to reconsider visiting Uganda for their safari experiences.
Historical figures like Idi Amin and Joseph Kony and the Lord’s Resistance Army have heavily influenced the country’s reputation. Furthermore, the “Kill the Gays Bill” has contributed to Uganda being labeled as one of the most homophobic countries in the world. These factors, along with other issues such as the repression of opposition candidates, have shaped the negative perception of Uganda in the international community.
Unfortunately, Uganda’s image has been tarnished to the point where even mentioning the country in the West often elicits negative responses. The combination of historical events, political repression, and the controversial “Kill the Gays Bill” has created a lasting impression that affects the perception of Uganda as a travel destination, especially for LGBTQI+ tourists.
It is important to note that perceptions can evolve and change over time, and it is always worth considering the current situation before making travel decisions. However, as of now, Uganda’s negative international reputation has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, deterring LGBTQI+ tourists and causing others to think twice about visiting the country for their safari experiences.
The anti-homosexuality Bill’s Effect on Tourism in 2023 affects not just the LGBYI+ community but its numerous sympathizers who choose to have their African Holiday elsewhere.
The US State Department warns LGBTQI+ Travelers about traveling to Uganda.
As of May 2023, the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda has raised significant concerns regarding the safety and rights of LGBTQI+ individuals. According to the US State Department, this law increases the risk of prosecution, life imprisonment, or even death for LGBTQI+ individuals and those perceived as LGBTQI+. Provisions within the law may also require mandatory reporting to the police if individuals are suspected of committing or planning acts that violate the law. Furthermore, there is a heightened risk of harassment or attacks by vigilante groups.
It is important to note that even supporters advocating for the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ individuals, including those under 18, could face prosecution and lengthy prison sentences in Uganda. For detailed and updated information regarding travel to Uganda, it is recommended to consult the country information page provided by the US State Department.
Given these circumstances, it is crucial for LGBTQI+ individuals and their allies to carefully consider the potential risks and implications before traveling to Uganda. It is advised to prioritize personal safety and well-being and seek guidance from relevant organizations and travel resources specializing in LGBTQI+ travel and rights.
Insights on the Ugandan Anti-Homosexual Law from an American living in Uganda:
June is Gay Pride Month, and here in Uganda, the American Embassy is flying the gayQuestionoudly while most Ugandans Question such a statement by the US; the anti-homosexual law reflects where Ugandans are culture.
Like much of Africa, Uganda is not a pro-gay LGBTQI+ plus country; like other African nations, Uganda will react when the US State Department or the European Parliament mandates that an African government such as Uganda comply with the prevailing mindset regarding LGBTQI+ issues.
Uganda, on June 3, over a million people gathered at Namugongo, where 40 plus young men became martyrs because they refused to renounce their faith and refused to give in to the Homosexual advance of Kabaka Mwanga (King) who ruled the kingdom of Buganda. Few, if any, at the State Department will know about this historical incident.
/There is a chasmic cultural divide between Western and African, including Ugandan values. 97% of Ugandans believe that AGBTQI+ issues are not African; homosexuality has existed in Africa, including Uganda, as in other parts of the world. However, Africans have not accepted LGBTQI+ values. Most African Countries have anti-homosexual laws on the books; ironically, in most cases, those laws were written by Questionl powers such as the British. African Countries that do not have any anti-GBTQI+ regulations still have the African Cultural Mindset.
Even my Ugandan doctor asked me if the anti-homosexual law was affecting tourism. My reply was yes. More than the law itself, it is how Ugandan Parliamentarians promoted it as an almost retaliatory pressure on President Museveni when he visited the US for the African summit.
The reality is this: most Ugandans are devout Christians or Muslims. Even the Church of Uganda has removed the Anglican church over LGBBTQI+ issues. In Uganda, you awaken to the sounds of the call to early morning prayer or are kept awake by an all-night Christian Prayer meeting.
On the other side is this – Uganda’s legal bark is more significant than its bite. No one has been executed for over a decade, despite what others may want you to believe.
Many Ugandans believe that the US wants to draw a line in the sand in Uganda while ignoring nations with even more stringent anti-gay laws.
Insights on the Ugandan Anti-Homosexual Law from an American living in Uganda:
Insights on the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Law from an American living in Uganda: In Uganda, the American Embassy’s decision to fly the gay pride flag during Gay Pride Month has been met with questioning and skepticism from many Ugandans. It reflects the cultural divide between Western and African values, as Uganda is not known for being LGBTQI+ friendly like much of Africa. The response of African nations, including Uganda, to LGBTQI+ issues often depends on the pressure exerted by entities like the US State Department or the European Parliament, who advocate for compliance with their perspectives.
On June 3, Uganda commemorated the Namugongo incident, where over a million people gathered to remember the young men who were martyred for refusing to renounce their faith and succumb to the homosexual advances of King Kabaka Mwanga in the Kingdom of Buganda. This historical event holds significance for Ugandans but may not be widely known or understood in the State Department or other international circles.
A significant cultural divide exists between Western and African values, including Uganda’s. While homosexuality is not unique to Africa and has lived in Uganda and other parts of the continent, African societies have not fully embraced LGBTQI+ values. It is worth noting that many African countries, even those without specific anti-homosexuality laws, still maintain an African cultural mindset that does not accept LGBTQI+ rights. Interestingly, colonial powers such as the British introduced many anti-homosexuality laws in African countries.
The impact of the anti-homosexuality law on tourism in Uganda is a subject of concern. While the law plays a role, how Ugandan Parliamentarians promoted it during President Museveni’s visit to the US for the African summit added to the perception of retaliatory pressure. Most Ugandans are devout Christians or Muslims, and even the Church of Uganda has distanced itself from the Anglican church over LGBTQI+ issues. Religious practices, such as early morning prayers and all-night Christian prayer meetings, are deeply ingrained in Ugandan society.
However, it is essential to note that Uganda’s legal stance on homosexuality is not always reflected in its enforcement. Despite the existence of the law, no executions have occurred in over a decade, contrary to what some may suggest. The gap between the legal framework and its implementation should be considered when considering the situation in Uganda.
These insights provide a glimpse into the complexities surrounding LGBTQI+ issues in Uganda and highlight the cultural dynamics and perspectives at play. Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone seeking a comprehensive view of the situation in the country.
Our take on LGBTQI+ plus Visitors to Uganda.
President Museveni has signed the anti-gay bill into law. An observation is that in Uganda, many regulations are introduced, enforced for a certain period, and then gradually fade from prominence. Examples include the ban on plastic shopping bags, which, despite being initially prohibited, are still widely used, and the regulations regarding governors on Matatu Taxi Vans that are frequently overlooked.
It is worth mentioning that immigration officials do not inquire about one’s sexual orientation or preferences upon entry into the country.
As long as visitors adhere to Ugandan social norms and practice discretion, following the principle of “What happens in the House – stays in the house,” they should enjoy an affordable safari experience in Uganda without any issues. It is advisable to refrain from displaying public affection and instead focus on appreciating the country’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Read more about anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments in Africa.
