Sexual minorities Uganda condemns Homophobic threats

On behalf of Ugandan lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), condemns the actions of Pastor Martin Sempa, Chairperson of the Political Parties Platform Emmanuel Tumusiime, and the People’s Development Party Chief Abed Bwanika.

End November, they delivered a letter of protest to the South African High Commission expressing their anger toward the South African Government for reinforcing the principles of justice and non-discrimination by acknowledging same-sex marriage as an inherent right of citizens.

Furthermore, Pastor Sempa threatened economic and cultural embargo against South Africa if action is not taken to reverse same-sex marriage.

This threat does not resonate with principles of equality and justice and is a danger to our nation’s economic and social progress.

As gay Ugandans who are calling for protection from the Ugandan Government and fair treatment by businesses and other service providers, we are happy to see one of our fellow African countries standing for values of equality and non-discrimination.

It is an honour to also be hosting the South African High Commission in our country, when such Commission represents a country that has been through a long journey toward justice for all its people, regardless of colour, sexual orientation, or gender.

We urge the Ugandan Government to stand strongly against individuals who lead people by teaching ignorance and hatred, as these are not good values for nation-building.

Samuel, a member of the Board of Representatives of Sexual Minorities Uganda, comments that, “South Africa’s stance against discrimination of all sorts is healthy for us as a people, both gay and not.”

Tumusiime has stated that, “Homosexuality is evil and against humanity.” We find this very contradictory since, as homosexuals, we are human beings. Furthermore, we are not harming anyone by loving. As upstanding individuals from every walk of life we are contributing to society as family members, teachers, lawyers, politicians, and religious leaders, just to mention a few. It is actually the discrimination that Pastor Sempa would call for that is against humanity.

“Homosexuality is not the problem here, it is ignorance, homophobia, and hidden agendas on the part of Pastor Sempa and the politicians who have supported his homophobic attacks,” Juliet Victor Mukasa, Chairperson of Sexual Minorities Uganda states. “By complaining to the embassy, they are seeking popularity in wrong ways.”

It is sad that Pastor Sempa wishes to destroy Uganda’s good economic relationship with South Africa, in a campaign to humiliate and isolate gay Ugandans. However, we are very grateful that many Ugandans are sensible in realising that as homosexuals we are causing no harm and are actually adding to society in positive ways.

We would like to thank every Ugandan who stands up for our humanity and protects us in the name of justice.


Board of Representatives
Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG)
Kampala, Uganda