You are here because you are wondering if Uganda is Safe for LGBTQ+ Tourists? This is a Comprehensive Guide to help you understand Uganda’s Anti Gay laws.
On May 29th 2023, Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Tubuhaburwa Museveni signed what many consider one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ laws. The bill, now act, was passed by Uganda’s parliament on May 2nd 2023. The act proposes stringent anti gay causes including a death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”.
Prior to the passing of this new law, Homosexuality was already criminal in Uganda. The new law simply introduced more stringent punishments that were not in the old law. You may read our earlier article on Gay Car Rental in Uganda to know if you can hire a car for your trip as gay.
Can LGBTQ+ Tourists Visit Uganda?
Yes LGBTQ+ can safely visit Uganda. The new law does not deny entry into the country on the basis of their sexual orientation. While same sex relationships are effectively banned, Its going to be a daunting task to enforce the ban unless the couples openly engage in same sex intimacies.
Gay tourists may visit Uganda without fear. However, practicing, promoting and recruitment into same sex relationship is outlawed and attracts heavy punishments. Besides the law, Ugandans are not very welcome to public display of affection even with heterosexuals’ couples. Engaging into same sex display of affection will not only get you in trouble with the law but also social stigma.
You can read the Entire Uganda Anti Gay Bill of 2023 here.
Is Uganda Safe for Gay Tourists?
Absolutely! There is no active witch-hunt for gay people in Uganda. Yes its illegal by the book but no one is actively hunting for gay people! If you do not engage in public display of gay practices of course. The law seems to technically be trying to address public show and promotion. Its hard to imagine enforcement beyond those two fronts. Needless to add, we do no have the ability to monitor our car rental clients but they should out of good will not engage in anything that breaks the law.