If you’ve been paying attention to the news in Uganda recently, you may have heard about the new law being passed through Uganda’s parliament, a law which is being condemned as one of the world’s strictest anti-LGBT+ legislations.
Homosexuality was already illegal in Uganda, but this new law promises tougher charges (including the death penalty in certain ‘aggravated’ cases), along with penalties for anyone seen to be ‘promoting’ homosexuality, and anyone that fails to report those suspected of committing homosexual acts.
The passing of this bill was not a close call. All but two of the 389 Ugandan legislators voted in favour of this law.
We take this news very seriously, as it effects the communities of the people we want to support. At the moment we are working with the African Queer Youth Initiative (AQYI), who are providing vital aid for the LGBT+ community in Uganda as they come under serious threat from this legislation.
We will be fundraising for AQYI through sales of our Ugandan coffee, to signify how important it is not to boycott Ugandan products in response to the bill, as this will provide no aid to the people of Uganda. On top of that, we are collaborating with AQYI on a letter that will be sent to President Museveni. The letter will express concern over his decision regarding the anti-homosexuality legislation, focusing on the effect the passing of this bill could have on Ugandan trade, and hopefully appealing to the president's business acumen.
In order for this letter to have the biggest impact possible, we need businesses to sign it alongside us. If your company is willing to back the rights of the Ugandan LGBT+ community, click this link here and we will be in touch ASAP.
In the meantime however, please read up on this ongoing crisis, as coverage has been shockingly low. Likewise, if you are able, please consider donating to Ugandan LGBT+ charities, who are out there trying to keep their communities as safe as possible in this time.
Links to news articles
HRAPF's analysis of the bill https://hrapf.org/hrapf-analysis-of-the-anti-homosexuality-bill-2023-as-enacted-by-parliament/
Uganda's The Daily Monitor https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/anti-gay-law-will-uganda-withstand-global-backlash--4169386
Uganda's New Vision https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/parliament-okays-new-anti-homosexuality-bill-154880
Comments