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Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan Chief of Defense Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has sparked international outrage after making explicit homophobic remarks that have been widely condemned by human rights groups and governments around the world.
During an apparent discussion on Twitter, General Kainerugaba expressed his confusion and disgust towards LGBTQ+ relationships. “Gay? How does that work?” he wrote. “Thank God no man has ever attempted that. I would have cut off his dick and head at the same time.” The statements have been met with widespread criticism, drawing attention to the increasingly hostile environment faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been a vocal anti-LGBTQ+ advocate in the past, but the severity of General Kainerugaba’s comments have left even his allies taken aback. This is not the first time that General Kainerugaba has spoken out against LGBTQ+ rights, but his remarks have escalated the already-tense situation in the country.
Ugandan activists have long warned of the growing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment in the country, with the proposed ‘Prohibition of Promotion of Unnatural Sexual Practices Act’ still pending parliamentary approval. The Act would severely restrict freedom of speech and expression for those expressing support for LGBTQ+ individuals, further isolating and putting them in danger.
International responses have been swift and forceful. The United States and European Union have condemned General Kainerugaba’s remarks, expressing alarm over the increasing persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. The United Nations has called for an end to the ‘climate of fear and intimidation’ facing LGBTQ+ Ugandans.
Local Ugandan rights groups also weighed in, calling for General Kainerugaba’s immediate removal from office for promoting hate speech. “There is no place for such vile rhetoric in public discourse,” said Winnie Ssemboga, executive director of the LGBTQ+-friendly organization, Rainbow Heritage Uganda Trust. “Uganda must move forward, embracing tolerance and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
As international pressure mounts, General Kainerugaba has thus far refused to apologize for his comments. However, it remains to be seen how the Ugandan government will respond to these criticisms, and whether they will act to rectify the increasingly precarious situation faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.