"Signed or not, the anti-homosexuality bill, 2023 in Uganda is already a nightmare to queer communities in the country................." Shifra argued, a Ugandan human rights defender in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya 

When the parliament of Uganda decided to take on a legislative obligation of " protecting" the African culture with a law to tighten the criminalisation of same sex acts in the country, they knew the harm in trying to do so. They knew what it that as Parliament, they're empowering a country to attack a specific minority group of citizens. 

They were well knowledgeable about the fact that the law would mean more exposure to HIV/Aids, and the fight to the virus would be jeopardised all because of the bill. However, all this didn't give Ugandan Parliament any second thought of coming to a stop.

This cruel bill was originally passed on 21 March 2023 and would have made identifying as LGBTQ+ a criminal offence if Uganda's President Museveni signs it into law. 

However much he refused to sign it and instead returned it to parliament with recommended changes like making a difference between practicing in homosexuality and identifying as LGBTQ+/queer. 

This new version of the law would no longer criminalise people for identifying as a member of the queer community but it proposes to jail anyone up to 20 years for advocating, defending or promoting LGBTQ+ rights in the country. 

It further convicts anyone who practices “attempted aggravated homosexuality” and could be jailed up to 14 years, while those found guilty of “attempted homosexuality” would be put behind bars for 10 full years.

The law retains the DEATH PENALTY for those charged with “aggravated homosexuality". 

"Aggravated homosexuality", according to the Ugandan Parliament is where sexual relations involve those who are living with HIV, minors and other categories of vulnerable people.

The cruelty exposed by a country government to their citizens in such a manner has caused a very large influx of LGBTQ individuals becoming refugees and displaced in other countries, running from their country, human rights defenders/advocates fleeing for their lives in neighbouring countries and this is Kenya. 

Due to the already existing refugee laws in Kenya, all people seeking asylum in the country have to reside in refugee camps/settlements despite protection needs. This leaves Kakuma, Kaloboyei settlement and daadad refugee camp as the only places in Kenya for people seeking asylum due to their gender identities and sexual orientations to stay as well. 

Bad enough, it's within these designated areas that we as LGBTQ refugees are facing serious dire homophobia, no protection, sexual, physical, emotional violences, police brutalities, hate crimes and speech. 

In a nut shell, the anti-homosexuality Bill in Uganda is still a reason for many to leave Uganda as their last option into Kenya. Victims are already seeking asylum even when the bill isn't signed into law. 

Collectively, we need to act, save, stand in solidarity and support lgbtiq refugee community in Kenya. To do this, please feel free to look for the ACTION BUTTON here on our website, there are lots of ways for you to help.