LGBT vacations in Uganda

Since the 1800s homosexual acts have been forbidden in Uganda, with same sex sexual acts between men becoming part of the Penal Code Act in 1950 as “unnatural offences” and “indecent practices”. An amendment in 2000 also criminalised it between women, with those convicted facing up to seven years in prison.

In 2009, the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) expanded the definition of these offences, and brought in harsher penalties – with those classed as “serial offenders” facing execution. Capital punishment was also proposed for anyone having same sex sexual relations if they did so with minors, or if they were HIV positive. When the bill was eventually passed in 2013, the death penalty was substituted with life imprisonment; however, seven-year sentences can still be passed for anyone considered to be “promoting” homosexuality, or even for having “the intention to commit an act of homosexuality.”

These attitudes are strengthened by religious beliefs, as Uganda is deeply Christian. LGBT rights organisations also point a finger at evangelical groups and their opposition to “gay agendas”, such as the US missionaries who arrived in the country in 2009. In speeches held in front of thousands of participants, they claimed that homosexuality was evil, and explained how to make gay people straight.

In many countries with harsh, anti-LGBT stances, we would emphasise that it is important not to confuse the citizens with the government. People often disagree with the laws of their country. However, in Uganda, for the reasons cited above, it is the case that much of the population shares the government’s views, which certainly makes it much harder to visit as an LGBT traveler. A survey carried out by the Pew Research Center in 2013 revealed that just four percent of Ugandans believed that society should accept homosexuality.

There are a handful of brave NGOs here fighting for LGBT rights, and a few low-key events, including Pride Uganda. However, these events are seen as “promoting” homosexuality, being held to “recruit” gay people and convert children. “Pride” is sadly something of a misnomer; due to the clear danger of joining such parades, participants cover their faces, numbers are very low, and public spaces are avoided – but even so, they are still seen as a “threat” by authorities. Previous Pride events have been subject to police raids, and August 2017’s Pride Uganda was cancelled after the organisers were threatened with arrest.

Some 34 African countries have harsh penalties for homosexual activity, as do a number of other nations, including Jamaica and Iran. So why is Uganda one of the most notorious?

One reason may be that many of the other African countries – which include Mauritania and Sudan – are not considered to be tourist destinations, so their oppressive laws are less likely to gain international press coverage. But there have also been a number of incidents in Uganda that have propelled gay rights into the international spotlight. One of these was an edition of the local tabloid newspaper called Rolling Stone, which was published with the headline “100 pictures of Uganda’s top homos leak: Hang Them.” Terrifyingly, the article featured the photographs, names and sometimes even the home addresses of the gay men, and incited Ugandans to take “justice” into their own hands. More articles followed, claiming, amongst other things, that these men were a threat to children. Unsurprisingly, a spate of homophobic violence followed – including the brutal murder of a transgender man – with the victims having no legal recourse.

It would be understandable if many LGBT – and non-LGBT – travelers chose to boycott Uganda, given the country’s shocking homophobic laws and social attitudes towards the gay and trans community. However, we fully respect everyone’s right to choose where to travel, and understand the importance of being as informed as possible when visiting destinations with oppressive laws. In addition, there are many reasons why we believe that boycotting entire countries does not work, and can in fact do more harm than good.

Kissing, cuddling and even hand holding in public are frowned upon for straight couples – so travelers here of any sexual orientation are advised to avoid displaying affection in public. Curiously enough, you are more likely to see a man walking along hand in hand with another man, than with a woman – simply as a sign of friendship.

The one exception to this is in Kampala’s packed nightclubs, where pretty much anything goes in terms of dress and behaviour – although even here, flaunting your sexuality is not advised for LGBT travelers. Additionally, while hotpants and Lycra may be common in these venues, female travelers may wish to dress more discretely unless they are keen to attract a lot of male attention.

While all the tour operators we work with describe themselves as LBGT friendly, it is worth asking questions to learn more about how this is put into practice in their Uganda vacations. How do they check the accommodation welcomes LGBT travelers? Are they able to incorporate village tours, homestays and explorations of more traditional cultures into an LGBT-friendly vacation? With Uganda, this is even more important than in other destinations, as this is not just about cultural acceptance – but about personal safety.

There are LGBT events in Uganda, such as Gay Pride marches. However, just as we tend to advise tourists against joining any political demonstrations or rallies for safety reasons, we would advise against joining Pride marches or similar. They are viewed as political protests, and can result in arrests as well as violent retaliation from anti-LGBT activists and religious groups. LGBT events have been shut down in the past, and it’s common for marchers to cover their faces to avoid being identified as well as being photographed.

If you would like to support the rights of LGBT people in Uganda, consider donating to organisations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, who carry out valuable research, advocacy and campaign work. And check out the Sexual Minorities Uganda website for up to date information on the situation.

Photo credits: [Top box: Niko Knigge] [Protest to the Anti-Homosexuality Act: Samantha Marx ] [Tracking gorillas: Pia Waugh] [Conservative dress: Jocelyn Saurini]