Is it safe for Gay and Lesbian tourists to travel to Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Safety for LGBT tourists is something to care about more especially in a countries like Uganda,Rwanda,Kenya or Tanzania and a large number of African countries.Whether gay and lesbians are accepted in Uganda,Rwanda,Tanzania and Kenya still remains a major question. But for starters, these countries are those few African countries with the friendliest and warm welcoming people and among a few African nations that value their African cultures.
“Kuchu” is the name that describes a gay person in Uganda. The word comes from Swahili language and means “same”. The word was chosen to due to the negative connotations of the words “gay” and “homosexual” in Uganda. The country is known for having some of the world’s harshest anti-LGBT laws.
Since the 1800s homosexual acts have been forbidden in Uganda with same sex sexual acts between men becoming part of the Penal Code Act in 1950 as “unnatural offences” and “indecent practices”. An amendment in 2000 also criminalized it between women with those convicted facing up to seven years in prison.
Around 2014, government of Uganda proposed law against homosexuality with life imprisonment although this got ruled after some revisions on the bill. Its aim/objective was mainly to provide for marriage in Uganda as that contracted only between man and woman; prohibit and penalize homosexual behavior and related practices in Uganda as they constitute a threat to the traditional family, prohibit ratification of any international treaties, protocols, agreements and declarations that promote homosexuality among others. Its provisions mainly sighted aiding and abating homosexuality, detention with intent to commit homosexuality a mention but a few. From then, Uganda was pushed in the lime light for criticizing the gay and lesbian act that almost led to cut down of business from some sectors.
Irrespective of the above, people are not asked whether they are gay or lesbians on arrival in Entebbe not even during the visa application process.
Whether you are booking a Uganda gorilla trekking permit or checking in a hotel, you won’t be asked whether you are a gay or lesbian and Uganda has been known as one of a few most welcoming and hospitable destinations in Africa. You don’t need to worry as your driver- guide will brief you about the Uganda culture Dos and Don’ts. A Uganda Safari is safe and there are set safety measures and guidelines that ensure safety of any traveler.
Hotels and lodges also consider gay travelers by arranging twin beds in their rooms. Depending on where you wish to pay a visit, if it is Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park-the notable lodges include Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon hill Lodge, Silverback Lodge and others. While in Kampala, the hotels include Serena Hotel Kampala, Pearl of Africa Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Speke Resort, Hotel Africana, Arcadia Suites, Golf Course, Skyz Hotel Kampala among others.
Uganda safaris take place in national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Murchison falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and many other tourism sites. While on Uganda safari to any of these parks, you have opportunity to interact with locals and it is advisable that you respect peoples cultures at all times so as to have a successful trip.
In conclusion, Uganda is that one African state that condemns homosexuality however; there are many other states that don’t even welcome the move to introduce homosexuality in their home countries as it is against their cultural values and norms.
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