Uganda Moves Forward With Anti-Homosexuality Laws

A recent CNN article reports Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a bill into law that originally included a death penalty clause for some homosexual acts. “Uganda passed the bill in December and replaced the death penalty provision with a proposal of life in prison for ‘aggravated homosexuality,’” the article reported. This new law can put individuals into prison for up to seven years.

“The bill also proposed prison terms for anyone who counsels or reaches out to gays and lesbians, a provision that could ensnare rights groups and others providing services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” CNN reports.

Museveni has said he believes homosexuality to be “disgusting” and believes Westerners brought homosexuality to his country. CNN reported the White House issued a statement Monday: "Instead of standing on the side of freedom, justice, and equal rights for its people, today, regrettably, Ugandan President Museveni took Uganda a step backward by signing into law legislation criminalizing homosexuality." Navi Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, agrees that this law institutionalizes discrimination and could result in much violence towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, the article reported.

Thirty-eight African countries have made homosexuality illegal, CNN reported. Many gay people have reportedly left Uganda in fear of violence and harassment.

ClearCause Safety and Security Partner, Tim Crockett of Pioneer Consulting Group says, “When a warning or an alert is issued it should force the school or program to take action, conduct a risk assessment and take action in the best interests of the students impacted.  If they are already in the country they should either depart if safe to do so or 'shelter in place' depending on the situation. This means they need to be a little more prepared and self-sufficient than most so there isn't a 100% reliance on embassies or consulates to come to their aid.

If they have not left yet, again depending on the situation they should amend travel or itineraries to reflect the risk or cancel the trip all together. Provisions should be made to take out cancellation insurance so that any monies paid can be reimbursed in some way or travel shifted to another date if the program would allow for such.

Now as to the question about the latest ruling coming out of Uganda pertaining to LGTB rights, etc.  This is something that needs to be looked at for all destinations. While the impact is far greater in Uganda under this new law, other countries similarly carry hefty punishments for being openly gay so that question needs to be raised when looking at destinations to take study abroad programs. It is important to look at all the potential risks before booking travel and cultural sensitivities and local laws are very important.  Your group will be a guest in their country and subject to their laws regardless of whether you agree with them or not.”

It is essential all students studying abroad understand the culture of their designated country to avoid potentially dangerous and life-threatening situations. We urge you to make every possible effort to stay safe as you travel abroad! Downloading the free ASAPP checklist, getting our new ASAPP S.O.S app available on iTunes and Google Play and enrolling in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) are few things you can do to StaySafe.

Fully educate yourself and prepare before you select a country for study abroad – your life may depend on it!