Uganda signed one of the strictest anti-homosexuality bills into law on Monday, prompting condemnation from the Biden Administration and U.S. Secretary of State. Transgender Equality Uganda (TEU) co-founder and CEO Beyoncé Karungi believes that the U.S.’s stance could make an impact.
“They are putting pressure, that helps,” said Karungi, a Ugandan trans activist.
While same-sex relations were already prohibited by law in Uganda, the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 imposes more severe consequences, like capital punishment for certain behaviors categorized as “aggravated homosexuality,” and a prison sentence of 20 years for “promoting” homosexuality.
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni had previously pushed lawmakers to erase the provision related to “aggravated homosexuality.” Museveni nonetheless signed the bill into law despite those changes not being made.
Karungi initially visited New York City for a UN conference back in March, when she found out the Ugandan Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, “that entrenches the criminalization of same-sex conduct.”
Now that the law has taken effect, returning home has become unsafe for her.
“Honestly, I might be arrested because of trespassing,” Karungi said if she went back. “And being the lead activist [of trans rights], someone who’s known, I’m a target.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Karungi faced violence due to her identity. She was beaten and hospitalized in 2012 for her appearance. And in 2015, she was attacked by assailants who wanted to “kill” her, suffering multiple injuries on her head and back.
Shortly after the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 was signed into law, the Biden Administration released a statement calling it a “tragic violation” of human rights and a “shameful” development.
“No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination,” Biden said in the statement. “It is wrong.”
LGBTQ+ organizations, human rights groups, the European Union, United Kingdom, UNAIDS, and the Global Fund have expressed their “grave” concern for Uganda’s adoption of the law.
“The Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 will obstruct health education and the outreach that can help end AIDS as a public health threat,” said the leaders of UNAIDS and the Global Fund in a joint statement with the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief on Monday.
“Together as one, we call for the Act to be reconsidered so that Uganda may continue on its path to ensure equitable access to health services and end AIDS as a public threat by 2030.”
As a result, the State Department will “develop mechanisms” to support LGBTQ+ rights for Ugandans and “promote accountability for Ugandan officials and other individuals responsible for, or complicit in, abusing their human rights,” said Secretary of State Anthony Blinked in a press statement released Monday.
Blinken has called the State Department to update travel guidance for American citizens and businesses in Uganda and will “consider deploying existing visa restrictions tools against Ugandan officials and other individuals for abuse of universal human rights”.
Additionally, the Biden Administration will consider “additional steps” to impose sanctions against Uganda.
Something Karungi acknowledged is needed but will have critical consequences.
“Americans are funding a lot of things,” she said, adding that Uganda’s police academy, army academy and HIV prevention efforts are significantly financed by the U.S.
As of March 2022, Uganda received over $950 million from the U.S. annually for health and development assistance that includes sustainable measures to address tuberculosis, malaria, maternal/child health, family planning and HIV/AIDS anti-retroviral treatment for more than 1.2 million Ugandans.
This law puts the millions of dollars in foreign aid at risk. “They are losing money because of such stupid things,” said Karungi.
Meanwhile, Karungi has been able to continue her work with TEU through WhatsApp. “People update me on what is happening [in Uganda],” she said. “I tell them, keep yourself indoors, don’t move. It is risky.”
She plans to extend her U.S. visitor visa when it expires in the fall, as she figures out the safest move for her next.
“I feel bad, but there’s nothing I can do,” she said. “My life comes first. I need to be safe.”
Source: Reckon
