Kampala, Uganda – (African Boulevard News) – Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, has called for a review of the country’s controversial anti-LGBT+ law. The bill, which was passed on March 21 and provides for stiff penalties for those involved in same-sex relationships, has sparked outrage from human rights organizations and Western governments, which have accused Uganda of violating basic human rights.
In a statement released on Tuesday, President Museveni said the government would review the legislation to address some of the concerns raised by its critics. “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised, and we feel that it is important to review the law to ensure that it is balanced and in line with our constitutional values,” Museveni said.
The law, which was signed into law by Museveni on March 21, provides for prison terms of up to 10 years for those convicted of same-sex relations, as well as life imprisonment for “aggravated homosexuality.” In addition to the prison sentences, individuals can also be fined and organizations can be shut down if they are found to be promoting homosexuality.
Since the law’s passage, Uganda has faced widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, Western governments, and members of the international community. Critics of the law have called it discriminatory and said that it violates basic human rights.
In response to the criticism, Museveni said that his government was committed to protecting the rights of all Ugandans, but that the country’s cultural values must also be respected. “We will not allow the promotion of homosexuality in our country, but we also want to ensure that the rights of all Ugandans are protected,” he said.
The statement by Museveni has been welcomed by human rights organizations, who have called for the repeal of the law. “We are pleased to see President Museveni acknowledging the concerns that have been raised about this law and calling for a review,” said Amnesty International’s Uganda researcher, Diana Nyambe.
While it remains to be seen what changes will be made to the law, the announcement by Museveni is a clear indication that the government is aware of the international pressure it is facing and that it is willing to engage with its critics to address their concerns.
