In June, the European Union (EU) declared its plan to persist funding Uganda, causing criticism among LGBTQ+ activists due to the country’s recent institution of a rigorously disputed anti-LGBTQ+ law. The law, which was adopted in May, is noted for its stern penalties including the death punishment for certain same-sex acts and has drawn vast international attention.
Following the enactment of this law, five individuals have been charged with two facing the utmost charge of “aggravated homosexuality.” Penalties for promoting homosexuality are also part of the law. The global response to this law has been mixed with measures such as the World Bank’s suspension of new public loans to Uganda and visa restrictions imposed by the United States on certain Ugandan officials.
A written statement delivered to the European Parliament by Jutta Urpilainen, the European Commissioner for International Partnerships, articulated that any withdrawal of financial support to Uganda due to this law, risks the deprivation of crucial assistance to vulnerable communities. “High-level EU officials have raised the issue with the Ugandan Government, Parliament, and President. The EU emphasised that the criminalisation of homosexuality is contrary to the principles of equality and non-discrimination in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights,” she further clarified.
In response to the EU’s stance, Convening for Equality Uganda expressed that, the recent EU announcement misses a critical opportunity to take more strategic action to protect the foremost principle of non-discrimination – something the EU and its member states are deeply committed to. It’s worth noting that the EU is one of Uganda’s major donors, providing funding for various projects including infrastructure, health programmes, and food assistance.
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