Uganda’s brutal anti-LGBTQ+ bill is making queer life there unbearable & it isn’t even law yet

The woman in the foreground holds a sign to remind people of the shocking repression of the LGBTI community in Uganda. The government and its president Yoseri Museveni are responsible for years of persecution and hate crimes.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Earlier this month, the Ugandan parliament approved a bill that many believe to be the most extreme anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in history. Knowledge of the bill has gained momentum globally, with activists around the world urging Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni not to sign it into law.

The situation has placed the Ugandan LGBTQ+ community in shock.

“I feel like a loser somewhat because man, this event has ruined the leftover peace I have,” Emmanuel Sanyu*, a law student and human rights activist, told LGBTQ Nation. Sanyu said he recently tweeted about how emotionally drained he has been, adding that he’s feeling trapped. Staying off the radar has recently become his safety net.

“I mean it’s like we are being witch hunted. Every time I step out of my house, it feels like someone is out to get me. I am literally scared, really scared. Worst of all, my study is apparently on halt because I’m trying to let the heat cool off to avoid putting myself in danger.”

While the bill is yet to become law, it has already begun to threaten the security and well-being of LGBTQ+ Ugandans. In early March, John Kenyangi*, a health worker, was physically attacked by men who perceived him to be homosexual.

“They forced me to…

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