U.S govt warns its citizens traveling to Uganda on anti-LGBTQI++ law, high crime
The United States government has urged its citizens to re-evaluate travel plans to Uganda on various grounds. including heightened crime rates and the recently passed homosexuality law.
In a travel advisory issued by the US Mission to Uganda, Citizens traveling to Uganda have been cautioned to keep a low profile and be mindful while in the country.
The US government states that parts of the country have become insecure with robberies and other crimes, in addition to terrorism threats.
“Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, presents a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala and Entebbe, in the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders,” part of the released document reads.
The American government has warned its citizens to be wary of the anti- LGBTQI legislation and its penalties.
“Supporters of the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including those of youth under the age of 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Uganda,” the statement also reads
The Act prescribes life imprisonment for gay sex and the death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality’. The latter offence includes ″serial offenders″, same-sex rape, sex in a position of authority or procured by intimidation, sex with persons older than seventy-five, sex with the disabled and mentally ill, and homosexual acts committed by a person with a previous conviction of homosexuality.
Further, under its provisions, the promotion (including normalisation) of homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years and fines.
The law has been condemned by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany , European Union among others.
U.S govt warns its citizens traveling to Uganda on anti-LGBTQI++ law, high crime
