The Controversial Ugandan Anti-Gay Act

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, has moved forward and signed into law one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ laws.

US President Joe Biden quickly condemned the law as “a tragic violation of universal human rights” and is threatening to cut aid and investment to Uganda. The US government is also “considering” restricting visas for government officials. 

While same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, the new law imposes capital punishment for some behaviours including “aggravated homosexuality”, and 20 years in prison for “promoting” homosexuality. Aggravated homosexuality is defined as cases of same-sex relations involving people who are HIV positive as well as with minors and other categories of vulnerable people including the elderly.

Humanitarian groups are expecting a massive increase in arbitrary arrests, police abuse and extortion, loss of employment, evictions and homelessness if this law is allowed to stand. 

Mosquito Nets within PFP

A mosquito net is a finely woven mesh that is treated and approved for its effectiveness. It is commonly hung over beds to protect people sleeping inside from mosquito bites, including those from infected mosquitoes that can transmit deadly diseases like malaria.

The Peace for Paul Foundation (PFP), a children’s organization with homes providing shelter to those in transitional care, is located in Uganda, an African country. Remarkably, PFP has not reported any child deaths resulting from malaria or other illnesses. This achievement can be attributed to their dedicated efforts in consistently supplying, educating, encouraging, and monitoring all the children to ensure they use treated mosquito nets. These nets are available within the institutional homes, the community, and all the schools the children attend.

The effective use of mosquito nets by PFP has saved the lives of many children and has garnered a commendable reputation for the organization. The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, as per their inspectors’ reports, has recognized PFP’s outstanding record among other children’s homes.

In Uganda, where misconceptions about mosquito net usage persist, particularly in rural areas, such as discomfort due to heat or the belief in low mosquito density, some individuals even use them as curtains or to fence nursery beds in their gardens. However, the children under the care of PFP have steadfastly adhered to the correct knowledge and practices of mosquito net usage. They have also shared this knowledge with their family members during holidays. This success can be attributed to the well-trained staff and the worthwhile investment made by the Peace for Paul Foundation in mosquito nets and training programs.

Christine with her mosquito net

Domestic violence is a deeply entrenched issue in Ugandan society, fueled by cultural norms, practices, and values that perpetuate harmful gender dynamics. From a young age, girls are often subjected to counseling that predisposes them to future torment, while boys are taught to believe in their inherent superiority, regardless of age. These ingrained beliefs harden the hearts of males, discouraging them from expressing emotions and leading to a propensity for violence.

Cultural settings further exacerbate the problem by exaggerating the importance of men, granting them exclusive decision-making powers and reinforcing a sense of entitlement. Traditional circumcision rituals, for instance, perpetuate the idea that men should suppress their sadness or grief, further contributing to a culture of violence.

On the other hand, when a girl child is preparing for marriage, she is advised against considering divorce or returning home in case of separation. Any indication of conflict or disagreement is seen as bringing shame and disgrace to the family who received the dowry. Consequently, women bear the pain silently, sacrificing their well-being to maintain societal expectations. Married women are often encouraged to remain silent during arguments, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.

Children also suffer within this cultural context, as it is commonly asserted that adults can never offend them, while disregarding their emotional needs and experiences. This belief dismisses children’s thoughts and emotions, leaving them silently nursing deep emotional wounds. Furthermore, children are not given adequate time to grieve the loss of a loved one, as it is believed that they quickly recover from such experiences.

Addressing domestic violence requires a collective effort to challenge and transform cultural norms and practices. Education plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality, fostering empathy, and dismantling harmful stereotypes. By challenging gender roles and encouraging open conversations about emotions and mental health, we can create an environment where both men and women can express themselves freely and seek support when needed.

Communities must rally together to break the silence surrounding domestic violence. It is essential to provide safe spaces for survivors to speak out, seek counseling, and access other forms of support. By creating awareness, challenging harmful beliefs, and promoting respectful relationships, we can begin to dismantle the culture of violence that pervades our society.

Ultimately, change starts with individuals. It is our collective responsibility to question, unlearn, and challenge harmful cultural practices that perpetuate domestic violence. By fostering an inclusive and compassionate society, we can create a future where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

Together, let us break the silence, challenge cultural norms, and build a society where every person can live free from violence and oppression.