Safety for lgbtq tourists in Uganda
Safety for lgbtq tourists in Uganda : It is important to give LGBT travelers’ safety more thought, particularly in nations like Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and many other African nations.It is still very much up for debate whether homosexuals and lesbians are welcomed in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. To begin with, though, these are some of the few African nations that cherish their native cultures and have the kindest, most hospitable citizens.
In Uganda, someone who identifies as gay is called a “kuchu.” The word, which meaning “same,” is derived from the Swahili language. The name was selected because the terms “homosexual” and “gay” have negative connotations in Uganda. The nation is renowned for having some of the strictest anti-LGBT policies in the whole globe.
In Uganda, gay behavior has been illegal since the 1800s. In 1950, same-sex sexual actions between men were classified as “indecent practices” and “unnatural offences” under the Penal Code Act. It was made illegal between women in 2000 by an amendment, and those found guilty might spend up to seven years behind bars.
The Ugandan government proposed a law in 2014 that would have punished homosexuality with life in jail; however, the bill was eventually found unconstitutional after several amendments. Its primary goals were to establish marriage as a union only between a man and a woman, outlaw homosexual behavior and related practices in Uganda because they jeopardize the institution of the traditional family, and forbid ratification of any international treaties, protocols, agreements, or declarations that support homosexuality. A few of its provisions were detention with the aim to commit homosexuality, assisting and abating homosexuality, and more. Subsequently, Uganda gained prominence for denouncing the homosexual and lesbian acts, which nearly resulted in a decline in business from some industries.
Despite the aforementioned, neither during the visa application process nor upon arrival ar the airport Uganda ( Entebbe international airport) individuals are not questioned about their sexual orientation.
You won’t be asked if you’re gay or lesbian while making reservations for a gorilla trekking permit in Uganda or when checking into a hotel, and Uganda is among the friendliest and most hospitable countries in Africa. You won’t need to worry because your driver-guide will give you an overview of the dos and don’ts of Ugandan culture. A safari in Uganda is safe, and all visitors are guaranteed safety by established protocols and safety precautions.
Twin beds are another way that hotels and lodges accommodate LGBT guests. Depending on where you want to go, there are a number of accommodaton options / lodges in Bwindi National Park and Mgahinga National Park, such as Mahogany Springs Lodge, Buhoma Lodge, Chameleon Hill Lodge, and Silverback Lodge. Serena Hotel Kampala, Pearl of Africa Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Speke Resort, Hotel Africana, Arcadia Suites, Golf Course, and Skyz Hotel Kampala are some of the few places you can stay at while in Kampala.
Finally, it should be noted that while Uganda is one African state that outlaws homosexuality, many other states oppose the introduction of homosexuality into their own nations due to cultural norms and values.
To schedule a gay-friendly and safe gorilla trekking expedition, get in touch with us.
National parks such as Murchison Falls National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Murchison Falls National Park, and many more tourist destinations are some of the places you would want to go on a Uganda safaris . You will have the chance to engage with locals while on a Uganda safari in any of these parks, and it is advised that you respect people’s cultures at all times to have a positive trip experience.