When U.S. sanctions were imposed last spring against Anita Among Uganda’s Speaker of Parliament, activist Sarah Mutiga said, “Anita Among …single-handedly turned the lives of LGBTQ Ugandans into living hell when she facilitated the ‘Kll the Gays Law of 2023.” (Abubaker Lubowa photo courtesy of Reuters/WSJ)
Uganda’s Parliament Speaker Anita Among, who masterminded the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) of 2023, has been jubilant about Donald Trump’s victory in November, claiming that the Trump administration will drop sanctions imposed on her and other senior government officials over corruption and human rights abuses.
While chairing a plenary session of parliament recently, Among stated:
“When we are debating in this house, let us debate with logic, not politics. And I want to assure members, no amount of intimidation can ever move me from where I am. I will remain the smiling me. Now that Trump has won, the sanctions are gone.”
Among’s expectations are not totally misplaced, since Trump has issued several anti-trans executive orders and has a history of ignoring human rights laws.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order that requires the use of the term ‘sex’ rather than ‘gender’, an act that disregards the rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
He also has a history of pardoning known criminals and appeasing regimes that undermine LGBTQI+ rights as long as the rulers have his back.
It is therefore possible that Trump could find a way of appeasing homophobes like Among who agree with his anti-gay agenda.
Ugandan human rights defender Frank Mugisha. (Photo courtesy of Twitter)
Why Uganda should be wary of Trump’s victory.
Frank Mugisha, a Ugandan gay rights activist and the head of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), disagrees with Anita Among’s support for Trump. Trump’s homophobic policies will undermine human rights worldwide, reversing the United States’ long history of global leadership, especially in protecting LGBTQI+ rights, Mugisha said.
A restrictive stance on gender identity by the U.S. government could be seen as a validation of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ laws, especially the (AHA), emboldening political leaders and others who use LGBTQ issues to gain support from conservative religious and political groups.
Mugisha added:
“Ugandan politicians may seize on the US’s approach to justify even more severe treatment of LGBTQ individuals, potentially leading to further marginalization, violence, or new laws that criminalize gender non-conformity. The psychological impact could be profound.
“On a personal note, as a human rights activist, this could increase the opposition I face because of the perception that LGBTQ rights are not fundamental human rights. It will empower the anti-gay and anti-rights campaigners.
“However, I also see this as an opportunity to strengthen my resolve. We are a community that fights and resists. This policy may push me to work even harder to amplify the voices of the LGBTQ community, both in Uganda and beyond. It paves the way to collaborate with local and international organizations to increase awareness and mobilize for change, calling for global solidarity.
“On the other hand, I am concerned that, although I do not receive direct government funding from the United States, funding for human rights and health services, particularly for marginalized communities, will be negatively impacted. It is crucial for other countries to step up immediately and increase their support for these communities.
“We have come a long way as a movement — from living in the shadows to coming out and making our voices heard. This is another challenge, but we will overcome it. We are a community that builds very strong movements and fights against hate and discrimination.
“We shall resist.
“With continued solidarity, lobbying, and advocacy, better days lie ahead. Aluta continua—the struggle continues”.
Source: African Human Rights Media Network member Erasing 76 Crimes.
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