Helpful Information for LGBTQI+ Tourists Considering Uganda
Is the question often asked: Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda?
Below are recommendations by an American living in Uganda for some years.
Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda? The reality on April 20, 2023, is this. Parliament passed the Anti-homosexuality Bill, which is a reaction to what most Ugandans feel is an attack on African Traditional Values.
President Museveni was also pressured on a recent visit to Washington DC to ease up on Anti-LGBTQI+ plus. This only pushed President Museveni into the arms of Russia and China. Both countries do not promote cultural values that contradict the African mindset,
Parliament wrote an Anti-Homosexual that had very tough punishments for homosexuals. Most Ugandans are unfamiliar with transgender issues and other LGBTQI+ issues, as is most of Africa.
President Museveni sent the Bill back to parliament for revision regarding Homosexual rehabilitation,
Pressures and recent economic threats by the US State Department and the European Union will only drive Uganda further into the arms of Russia and China. Uganda, especially, is anti-homosexual. One reason is that 40-plus young men became Martyrs because they refused to renounce Christianity and rejected the advances of Kabaka Mwanga. On June 3 of each year, a million plus converge on Namugaongo Martyrs Shrine to commemorate their sacrifice for their faith.
Even in the few African Countries with no anti-LGBTQI+ laws, the people are still strongly anti-homosexual; recently, two men were refused to lodge because the lodge owner thought they were gay; Rwanda gas bas no anti-homosexual. In Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DR Congo, and Burundi, there are anti-homosexual laws given to the countries by the British and Belgian Colonial administrations.
Are LGBTQI+ Tourists safe on a Safari in Uganda in 2023?
At the end of April 2023, I would say “Proceed with caution”. There has been so much anti-homosexual rhetoric by local news outlets, the government, parliament, and President Museveni recently addressing African Parliament members from across the continent. Add to that the voices of the Christian and Muslim communities.
Ugandans, like many Africans, feel that Western nations threaten their values. It is supposed money is poured into countries to promote Western Cultural norms. In 2023, Ugandans reacted to American Embassy on Ggaba Road by flying a gay pride flag during gay pride month.
Some years back, we had the so-called “Kill the Gays Bill,” thrown out by the Constitutional Court on a technicality. It does not look like that will happen again.
In the past, the Uganda Tourism Board guaranteed the safety of LGBTQI+ travelers on Safari. The new law is much more stringent, calling for the arrest of those who know of LGBTQI+ people and do not report them can be arrested.
Until the government clarifies, Uganda Tourism One cannot recommend that members of the LGBTQI+ community 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 2023? The anti-Homosexuality Bill Effect on Tourism in 2023
Uganda’s negative international attention caused LBGTQI+ tourists to take Uganda off their bucket list, making straight tourists reconsider visiting Uganda for their Safari.
Uganda is seen through the prism of Idi Amin, Joseph Kony, and the Lord’s Resistance. Repressing Opposition Candidates and, most of all, the “Kill the Gays Bill.”
Uganda has been called the most Homophobic country on the Planet. Just say Uganda is somewhere in the West, and you will get negative responses. Not just about the kill the GGay’s Bill but other issues. Uganda is seen through the prism of Idi Amin, Joseph Kony, and the Lord’s Resistance. Repressing Opposition Candidates and the “Kill the Gays Bill.”
The anti-Homosexuality Bill’s Effect on Tourism in 2023 affects not just the LGBYI+ community but its numerous sympathizers, who now choose to have their African Holiday elsewhere.
On the other hand, those from Islamic countries may choose to visit Uganda since the anti-homosexuality Bill does not go against their beliefs, and their governments have laws more stringent than what is in Uganda.
Our take on LGBTQI+ plus Visitors to Uganda.
President Museveni has sent the Bill back to parliament- the Bill has been softened and is being reviewed. Hopefully, the tourism ministry will state LGBTQI+ tourists and their safety.
My observation: In Uganda, many laws are passed, enforced for a season, and then go off the radar. For example, plastic shopping bags that were banned but are everywhere, the governors on Matatu Taxi Vans today are ignored.
No one at immigration will ask you about your sexual status or preferences. If one is discreet and follows the Ugandan social etiquette, “What happens in the House – stays in the house.” As long as you can restrain yourself from showing affection in public, you should be able to enjoy affordable Uganda on a safari with us.
