Zamara Foundation’s solidarity statement on the Anti-homosexuality Bill in Uganda.
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda represents a direct attack on basic human rights, built upon a foundation of misinformation and discrimination.
In Solidarity and Siblinghood
Zamara Foundation is standing in solidarity with all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer + (LGBTIQ+) siblings in Uganda and across Africa. As a great supporter of human rights and equality for all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, we believe that the anti-homosexuality bill in Uganda is discriminatory and will infringe on the fundamental rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals. As an ally of LGBTIQ+ individuals and movements in East Africa, we stand in solidarity and siblinghood with the LGBTIQ+ community and civil society organisations in Uganda and condemn in the strongest terms the anti-homosexuality bill recently passed by the Ugandan Parliament. We raise our voice to the Ugandan President Mr. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to not assent to this bill as it violates the human rights of LGBTIQ+ people. We understand that this bill seeks to criminalise further individuals based on their sexual orientation, which clearly violates their fundamental human rights. Discriminatory laws and policies that promote hate and discrimination towards the LGBTIQ+ community not only threaten their human rights but also undermine the progress made toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
To promote inclusion, equality, and respect for the human rights of all individuals, we recommend that lawmakers in Uganda take the following actions:
- We call on the government and civil society organisations to provide protection and support for LGBTIQ+ individuals who face discrimination, harassment, and violence now in times of increased hate and discrimination.
- We encourage dialogue and engagement between the government, civil society organisations, and the LGBTIQ+ community to address the issues facing the community. This will help to foster a more enabling environment for the community and promote their rights and well-being.
- We recommend development partners and donors to continue providing financial aid to Uganda. Such support is vital since the financial stability of the LGBTQ+ community has already been jeopardised. The absence of this support can worsen socio-economic disparities, leading to severe outcomes that can endanger lives.
Zamara Foundation is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in society. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and across the region and will continue to advocate for their rights and well-being. We invite the Government of Uganda and its people to join us in our efforts to create a world where every individual is respected and valued, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We urge all individuals to support and respect the human rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals and to reject discrimination and hate in all its forms. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society, where diversity is celebrated, and all individuals can thrive.
Our plea is also for the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to make a statement and emphasize to Uganda their duties as outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This charter demands that Uganda safeguard and honor the rights of every individual. Our request is particularly regarding Resolution 275, which the Commission ratified in 2014, pertaining to the prevention of abuse and other human rights violations against people based on their perceived or actual gender identity or sexual orientation.
Lastly, we call on the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, not to sign the Anti-homosexuality Bill.