Uganda has long had strict anti-gay laws. In 2014, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed a controversial law aimed at banning homosexuality. The law imposes severe penalties for same-sex relationships and 'homosexual acts', including life imprisonment for repeated offenses. Now the laws are being tightened further - meaning that a person's sexuality in the country can lead to the death penalty. The new laws also target bisexual, transgender and queer people.

A question of human rights

Erikshjälpen has several interventions in Uganda, where we work together with local partner organisations to ensure that children's rights are met. Our work is based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which emphasizes the equal and unique value of all individuals, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, beliefs or religion.

Punishing people because of their sexuality jeopardizes their fundamental freedoms and rights. The laws also create a climate of fear and hatred, leading to stigmatization, persecution and violence - where people are forced to live in secret or flee the country to avoid harassment and discrimination.

We strongly oppose the new law. Not only does it violate everyone's right to their sexuality, it's a violation of human rights - and it makes our vital work for the children of Uganda more difficult. And the world they dream of.