ARE GAY AND LESBIAN TOURISTS SAFE IN UGANDA

ARE GAY AND LESBIAN TOURISTS SAFE IN UGANDA

Whether gays and lesbians are accepted in Uganda remains a major question. But for starters, Uganda is that one African country with the friendliest and warmest welcoming people and a few nations that stick to their African cultures or respect their cultural values.

Following an extended duration of Idi Amin’s previous governance, which adversely affected the nation’s reputation, it has recently come to light that homosexuality has also become a topic that raises numerous questions, consequently leading to unfavourable reactions. Despite this, in many instances, individuals are not asked about their sexual orientation upon their arrival in Entebbe. Even the arrival cards don’t show a gay box, and neither do the visa applications.

Even when you are looking for a Uganda gorilla trekking permit, you still won’t be asked whether you are gay or lesbian. However, a lot more has been said about this, and Uganda is one of the few warmest welcoming destinations. Most importantly, your driver guide can introduce you to Uganda’s culture, the way things are done and etiquette. African safaris in Uganda are safe, and there are set safety measures that every traveller must put into consideration.

Equally, the hotels and lodges do work for gay travellers, and when you visit some sites, you realise that most of them have twin beds. Depending on where you wish to pay a visit, if it is Bwindi National Park or 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, Fairway Hotel, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Speke Resort, Hotel Africana, Arcadia Suites, Golf Course, Protea Hotel Kampala and many others. Most safari lodges in most national parks are owned by foreigners.

However, around 2014, the government of Uganda proposed a law against homosexuality with life imprisonment, although this was ruled out after some revisions to the bill. Its aim/objective was mainly to provide for marriage in Uganda as that contracted only between man and woman; prohibit and penalise homosexual behaviour 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 abetting homosexuality, detention with intent to commit homosexuality a mention and a few. From then, Uganda was pushed into the limelight for criticising the gay and lesbian act that almost led to a cut down of business from some sectors.

The most sensitive of all is tourism, where fewer tours were recorded, unlike in the past years. Uganda’s tourism sector, like other destinations, is entirely dependent on visitors from the western side and the largest number is always registered in national parks where most safaris are done.

Uganda safaris are conducted in national parks like Murchison Falls National Park, Kibale Forest National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Mgahinga National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Kidepo Valley National Park, Mount Elgon National Park and many other tourist sites.

While on a Uganda safari to any of these parks, you have the opportunity to interact with locals, especially when you embark on a cultural tour in the nearby local community. While here, it is advisable that you respect people’s cultures at all times so as to have a successful trip.

In conclusion, Uganda is the only African state to criticise homosexuality. However, many other states never welcomed the move to introduce homosexuality in their home countries, as it was against their cultural values and norms.

Some of the GAY AND LESBIAN TOURISTS Safe Safaris in UGANDA