Running head: Uganda

Uganda Paper
SW3710: Social Welfare
April 13, 2014
004322562
Tiera Couch
Wayne State University

Running head: Uganda

The criminalization of homosexuals in Uganda as a social problem.

In Uganda people are persecuted solely based off their sexual orientation, or perceived sexual
orientation. According to Raghavan (2010) the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT)
community of Uganda are forced to live a lower quality of life than the rest of the population,
due to the denial of resources and the constant fear for their safety (para. 1). The LGBT
community is treated as public enemies, as stated by Englander (2012) citizens, politicians, and
the media have branded homosexuals as un-African, as threats to children, and as less than
human (p. 1264). Boyd (2013) stated anti-homosexual activists are responsible for portraying
LGBT persons as irregular an inferior, and they have the public believing that same-sex
relationships are detrimental to society (p. 696).
According to Englander (2012) violence against LGBT people includes beatings,
disappearances, corrective rapes of lesbians, vigilante squads and church crusades, and preachers
calling out '[LGBT] in their own pews (P. 1264). Englander (2012) explained that Ugandan
media sources regularly out LGBT persons, or persons believed to be same-sex oriented. They
publish these individuals personal information, which lead to beatings, embarrassment and the
forced removal from their homes and jobs (p. 1264). Englander (2012) reported that David Kato,
a prominent LGBT activist was beat to death at his residence, as a result of one of these media
outings (p. 1264). Englander (2012) stated the fear of being harmed caused many of Ugandas
LGBT population to flee (p. 1264). LGBT non-residents are also subject to persecution,
according to Uganda to Report (2014) the content of a stolen laptop led to the arrest, and
deportation of a British man. The thief saw this man engaging in same-sex acts on the laptop and
sent the images to a Ugandan newspaper (para. 9).
Gonzales (2014) reported, Yoweri Museveni, the Ugandan President, recently passed the

Running head: Uganda

controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill (para. 3). Gonzales (2014) went on to explain that the law
allows prosecutors to sentence first-time offenders to fourteen years in prison and lifetime
sentences for offenses they deem more serious (para. 5). Anderson, Sadgrove, Valentine,
Vanderback and Ward (2012) explained that this law also has a failure to disclose clause,
meaning any person who does not report a suspected or proven LGBT person to the authorities is
committing a criminal act and can be prosecuted (p. 1). Strand (2013) stated that supporters feel
this bill is necessary and will help preserve the morale of the Ugandan people (p. 276).
Policies and services in place to alleviate the problem.
LGBT organizations work to improve the current conditions in Uganda. The International
Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) (2014) reported, they support growing
African LGBT movements, and fight to end human rights violations against the LGBT (para.
1). The IGLHRC (2014) said that their work included helping LGBT persons who are beaten,
prosecuted or forced to leave from their work or homes because of their sexual minority status
(para. 2). The IGLHRC (2014) stated their focus is to change unjust laws, and poor public
perception and beliefs about the LGBT community (para. 5).
Ugandas LGBT persons are not receiving much service
Due to the criminalization of persons aiding the LGBT community relief for these
individuals is scarce. Strand (2013) said that while local human rights activist were quick to
respond to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill they were denied access to media sources that would
expand awareness and resources (p. 277). Much of the support for the Ugandan LGBT
community comes from outside sources. According to Karimi (2014), the Anti-Homosexuality
Bill was briefly shelved when Britain and other European nations threatened to withdraw aid to
Uganda, which relies on millions of dollars from the international community(para. 3).

Running head: Uganda

Thoreson (2014) stated that most of the media coverage surrounding this issue came from
foreign publications like The Associated Press, BBC, and Pambazuka News (as cited in
Thoreson, 2014, p. 24).
While there are organizations that seek to change attitudes and laws and give aide to the
LGBT people being persecuted in the mean time many are being forced into hiding, being
murdered, and raped. LGBT persons who have not been exposed hide their sexuality. This is
tragic, and a huge social welfare issue. Most of the limited relief efforts are not available until a
person is already in crisis. More preventive policies should be available to increase the quality of
life for these individuals.
History of the Treatment of LGBT people in Uganda
According to Englander (2012) a popular argument used to justify the mistreatment of the
LGBT community in Uganda is that same sex relationships are un-African, the claim is that
homosexuality is derived from western culture and otherwise rare in Africa (p. 1268). Englander
(2012) stated many Ugandans believe that homosexuality was non-existent in their country until
western influence became prevalent. However the documented history of pre-colonial same-sex
relationships being accepted by Ugandans contradict this belief (p. 1268). Homosexuality in
Uganda can be traced back to before Ugandans had contact with European and western culture.
Cheney (2012) reported research of the history of LGBT people in Africa provides proof
that same-sex relations occurred prior to the colonial era and continues to exist in spite of the
opposition of the colonial missionaries (as cited in Cheney, 2012, p. 81). The prolonged
existence of LGBT people in Uganda shows that it is not a construct, but an inherent part of the
Ugandan culture. Cheney (2012) continued by stating The existence of same-sex social and
sexual relationships among several different Ugandan ethnic groups is documented in colonial

Running head: Uganda

and modern ethnographic writings (as cited in Cheney, 2012, p. 80), this further supports that
homosexuality was not introduced to Africans by contact from outsiders.
Cheney (2012) stated studies of traditional African belief systems give no evidence of
stigmatization or mistreatment of their LGBT members except where Christianity and Islam
have been adopted"(as cited in Cheney, 2012, p. 81). Cheney explained that this is important
because it shows that European and western influences are not responsible for the presence of
same-sex orientation within African culture, but are the cause of the disapproval that
demographic is currently facing (as cited in Cheney, 2012, p. 81). Anderson, Sadgrove,
Valentine, Vanderback and Ward (2012) reported that during the colonial period British
legislators passed the first law banning same-sex orientation and relationships (p. 1). Cheney
(2012) went on to state that in the past LGBT persons were not only tolerated, but also
incorporated into the social body with named roles and sexual identities (as cited in Cheney,
2012, p. 81). This shows that the LGBT people in Uganda were not always ostracized as they are
today.
Social Stigma and Discrimination of LGBT in Uganda
As stated by Englander (2012) It is self-evident that LGBT people, who may be jailed
for their sexual orientation, subjected to arbitrary enforcement of vaguely written statutes, and
targeted by public officials, do not enjoy equal protection under the law of Uganda (p. 1279).
Not only do the Ugandan laws not protect their LGBT community they are used to violate them.
Social stigmas separate the LGBT community from the rest of the Ugandan population.
Homophobia is encouraged publically in Uganda and reinforces discriminatory practices against
same-sex oriented people. As reported by Boyd (2013) It is common to see Ugandan motorist
sporting anti-LGBT bumper stickers with slogans like Say No 2 Sodomy; Say Yes 2 Family

Running head: Uganda

(,p.698).
The open contempt for homosexuality caused a trickle down effect. According to
Hollander: This is reflected in everyday actions throughout the country, from minor forms of
harassment in clubs, restaurants, and on the streets, to more pernicious forms of
discrimination in jobs and service distribution. Interviews with members of the LGBTI
community suggest that an openly gay individual will likely be excommunicated by his
or her church, will be neglected by his or her family and community, may be kicked out
of school, will have difficulty finding and holding a job, and will be otherwise persecuted
in everyday life.8 Stories of people being maimed or killed because they are thought to be
gay are a persistent reminder to the LGBT community to maintain strong secrecy, often
forcing people to engage in heterosexual relationships to give the impression of being
straight to the outside world. (Hollander, 2009, p. 221)
According to Englander (2012) decades of state-sponsored inequality lead to the
institutionalization of discrimination against LGBT people (, p. 1277). Englander (2012)
preceded with human rights concerns were raised in health care practices, for example, some
LGBT persons have been forcibly confined in medical institutions and subject to 'aversion
therapy', including electroshock treatment (p. 1277). Englander (2012) stated LGBT people are
also denied access to health services(p. 1277). Sexual minorities are demonized in Uganda, so
much so that they are segregated, oppressed and denied protection, wellness and rights.
Personal beliefs and social work implications
The mistreatment and criminalization of the Ugandan LGBT community is a social
welfare issue, therefore, it is a social work issue. One of a social worker's duties is to challenge
social injustice(NASW, 2014, para. 4). As stated in the National Association of Social workers

Running head: Uganda

NASW (2014) code it is a social worker's responsibility to work to reverse these conditions. The
NASW (2014) code stated, Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf
of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people(para. 18). The NASW (2014)
code also stated social workers should work to put an end to the marginalization of any people
(para. 4). The NASW (2014) code continued with social workers should act to expand choice
and opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable, disadvantaged, oppressed, and
exploited people and groups (para. 132). Additionally the NASW (2014) added, Social workers
should promote the general welfare of society, from local to global levels (para. 128). Meaning
the circumstances of Ugandas LGBT is an issue that should be addressed by social workers in
the United States.
Personally, I feel that these circumstances are atrocious, anytime people are ostracized
simply for being different from the majority is a major problem. It is my life's duty to work to
reverse the disregard for human life and the mistreatment of marginalized people. I chose to
work in the social work field because of my desire to improve social injustices. The LGBT
people of Uganda are suffering and it is not right. There was a time in this country when people
were segregated and mistreated because of a perceived inferiority. The aftermath of the
enslavement of African Americans in the United States continues to affect generations. It took for
people to speak up against that injustice for the change process to begin. The Ugandan LGBT
needs that same support, and they need it from outsiders.
Gonzales (2014) reported that the United States and other countries should expect an
influx of LGBT Ugandans seeking asylum (para. 10). Gonzales (2014) stated that due to the lack
of records kept of asylum granted to sexual minorities, finding refuge in the United States should
prove difficult (para. 11). For these reasons, I feel that policies surrounding asylum for the LGBT

Running head: Uganda

should be revised. There is no justice in a law that was passed to help people if those who need
the help cannot access it.
Revision
To improve the APA format of my paper, I paraphrased some of the direct quotes I used
previously and added page and paragraph numbers. I also change the words gay and homosexual
to LGBT. I then deleted information I found to be redundant and added information from new
sources. I also updated some of the information I used previously because the AntiHomosexuality bill passed. Last I used abbreviations where I previously spelled out entire words.

Running head: Uganda

9
References

Anderson, J., Sadgrove, V., Valentine, G., Vanderback, R. M., & Ward, K. (2012). Morality
plays and money matters: towards a situated understanding of the politics of
homosexuality in uganda. The Journal of Modern African Studies, 50(1), 103-129.
Boyd, L. (2013). The problem with freedom: homosexuality and human rights in Uganda.
Anthropological Quarterly, 86(3), 697-724.
Cheney, K. (2012). Locating neocolonialism, "tradition," and human rights in uganda's "gay
death penalty". African Studies Review, 55(2), 77-95.
Englander, D. (2012). Protecting the rights of lgbt people in Uganda in the wake of Ugandas
"anti-homosexuality bill, 2009". Emory International Law Review, 25, 1264-1316.
Gonzales, R. (2014, February 26). Gays and lesbians seeking asylum in u.s. may find a hard
road. npr. Retrieved from
http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2014/02/26/282568084/gays-and-lesbians-seekingasylum-in-u-s-may-find-a-hard-road
Hollander, M. (2009). Gay rights in uganda: Seeking to overturn uganda's anti-sodomy laws.
Virginia Journal of International Law, 50(1), 220-263.
International gay and lesbian human rights commission. (2014). Retrieved from http://iglhrc.org./
Karimi, F. (2014, January 17). Gays and lesbians 'sick,' ugandan president says in blocking antigay bill. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/17/world/africa/uganda-anti-gaybill-rejected/
National association of social workers.. code of ethics. (2008). Retrieved from
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp
Raghavan, S. (2010, December 12). Gays in Africa face growing persecution, activists say.

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Retrieved from
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpdyn/content/article/2010/12/11/AR2010121103045.h
tml
Strand, C. (2013). The rise and fall of a contentious social policy option narratives around the
ugandan anti-homosexuality bill in the domestic press. Journal of African Media Studies,
5(3), 275-294. doi: 10.1386/jams.5.3.275_1
Thoreson, R. R. (2014). Troubling the waters of a wave of homophobia: Political economies of
anti-queer animus in sub-saharan africa. Sexualities, 17, 2342. doi:
10.1177/1363460713511098
Uganda to deport British man accused of being gay. (2014, January 22). Retrieved from
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/uganda-to-deport-british-man-accused-of-being-gay/