A leaked report indicates that the government of Uganda is considering to criminalise activities that promote hormosexuality in the eastern african nation.
The report by the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations or NGO Bureau shows the government’s intention to clamp stronger shackles on the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTiQ) activities in the country.
“Individuals linked to organisations involved in promoting LGBTiQ activities should be profiled and mechanisms put in place to prevent them from forming other organisations for a similar purpose,” the January 2023 report says.
Stephen Okello, the executive director of the NGO Bureau, confirmed the authenticity of the unsigned report but was quick to add that the “document was not officially released by the Bureau.”
“It was still being worked on and being subjected to internal processes,” he told local media.
The NGO Bureau is currently investigating operations of 22 NGOs across the country suspected to be involved in promotion of LGBTIQ activities.
The investigations also centre on the legality of the NGOs, profile of key personnel, and source of funding, among others. Donor agencies cited as financiers include Germany development partners GIZ, American Jewish Service, USAID, Open Society Initiative for East Africa, American Embassy, Tides Foundation, and Oxfam.
It said the investigations followed concerns by various stakeholders. Parliament recently heard that some NGOs were actively recruiting schoolchildren into same-sex relations.
