The US government has updated Uganda’s travel advisory to level 3 urging travellers to reconsider travelling to the East African country over the recently adopted Anti-LGBTQ legislation.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 which was recently signed into law in Uganda criminalizes same sex marriages and promotion of homosexuality prescribing sentences from 20 years in prison to life inprisonment, or death upon conviction by Courts.
In a travel advisory issued today by the US state department, travellers to Uganda are reminded about increased risk of life imprisonment or death penalty, on top of other potential risks of terror attack, crime, among many others.
Bellow is a copy of the travel alert published by the US Embassy in Kampala:
Updated to reflect recently enacted anti-LGBTQI+ legislation.
Reconsider travel to Uganda due to crime, terrorism, and anti-LGBTQI+ legislation. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Country summary: There remains a threat of terrorist attacks in Uganda and throughout the region. Terrorist attacks occurred in several villages in western Uganda in December 2022 and there were multiple bombings in and around Kampala in 2021. While the attacks did not appear to target foreign nationals, anyone can be a victim. U.S. citizens should remain alert and avoid large public gatherings.
Violent crime, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault, presents a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time, especially in larger cities, including Kampala and Entebbe, in the Karamoja region, and along Uganda’s western and northern borders. Local police may lack appropriate resources to respond effectively to serious crime in most areas.
The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act raises the risk that LGBTQI+ persons, and those perceived to be LGBTQI+, could be prosecuted and subjected to life imprisonment or death based on provisions in the law, and may be subject to mandatory reporting to the police if they are suspected of committing or intending to commit acts in violation of the law, and could face harassment or attacks by vigilantes.
Supporters of the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons (including those of youth under the age of 18) could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences.
If you decide to travel to Uganda:
Do not leave food and drinks unattended in public, especially in local clubs.
Remain with a group of friends in public.
Use caution when walking or driving at night.
Keep a low profile.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Do not display signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewelry.
Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
Do not open your door for people you dont know.
LGBTQI+ Travelers: The May 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) includes penalties up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations and capital punishment for crimes of “aggravated homosexuality” (such as serial offenders). Youth under the age of 18 could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentences. LGBTQI+ persons, including youth, may be subject to forced conversion therapy – a dangerous and discredited practice that causes significant harm, including high rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among LGBTQI+ youth. Social acceptance of homosexuality is very low. LGBTQI+ persons, or persons perceived to be LGBTQI+, could face harassment, imprisonment, blackmail, and violence, with heightened risk surrounding the passage of the AHA; The public is required to report to the police a person suspected of committing or intending to commit acts enumerated in the law. Hoteliers are not permitted to knowingly provide rooms to individuals who may commit acts deemed illegal in the AHA. Individuals or organizations viewed as publicly supporting the dignity and human rights of LGBTQI+ persons could be prosecuted and imprisoned for multi-year sentence, including those that attend a same-sex marriage either inside or outside of Uganda’s borders. LGBTQI+ organizations or those that advocate for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons may be deemed illegal under the law. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.