Uganda: Ramaphosa welcomes Museveni despite new anti-LGBTIQ+ bill
02.03.2023 - 20:19
/ mambaonline.com
President Ramaphosa awarded President Museveni – dubbed “Africa’s worst homophobe” – the prestigious Order of South Africa this week
President Cyril Ramaphosa has been slammed for welcoming Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni with open arms just as a new draconian anti-LGBTIQ+ bill was introduced in Uganda’s Parliament.
During his trip to South Africa this week, Museveni and Ramaphosa spoke about political and regional issues and improving trade between their two countries. They also signed memoranda of understanding on several matters such as tourism and the advancement of women and children.
Ramaphosa, who described the visit as “a great delight” also bestowed Museveni with the prestigious Order of South Africa medal in recognition of his contribution to the liberation of South Africa from colonialism.
Meanwhile, back in Uganda, MPs were re-introducing an anti-LGBTIQ+ bill that seeks to strengthen existing legislation criminalising homosexuality in the country.
If passed, the bill would punish anyone with ten years in prison if they have anal, oral or manual sex with a person of the same sex, if they touch someone with the “intention” of having same-sex sex, or if they openly identify as “lesbian, gay, transgender, a queer or any other sexual or gender identity that is contrary to the binary categories of male and female”.
The crime of “aggravated homosexuality” also carries a penalty of ten years in prison and targets anyone living with HIV who has sex with another person of the same sex or is deemed to be a “serial offender”.
Allies, friends and family of the LGBTIQ+ community face five-year prison sentences as “accomplices” if they “fund” or “promote” homosexuality online or in films or provide premises for LGBTIQ+