The pineapples are sweeter in Hawaii. This was reported by eTurboNews, but now travel to the Pearl of Africa became threatening.
Life in prison for anyone who says he or she is gay. Anyone not reporting noticing same sex activities face long prison terms as well.
This anti LGBTQ bill was passed by the Ugandan parliament Tuesday night and makes it the strictest anti gay bills in the world.
Amnesty International today urged President Yoweri Museveni to veto this appalling legislation, which was passed following a rushed vote on Tuesday evening. The law, dubbed the ‘2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill’, amounts to a grave assault on LGBTQ people and is contemptuous of the Ugandan constitution.
“This ambiguous, vaguely worded law even criminalizes those who ‘promote’ homosexuality or ‘attempt to commit the offence of homosexuality’. In reality, this deeply repressive legislation will institutionalize discrimination, hatred, and prejudice against LGBTI people, including those who are perceived to be LGBTI and block the legitimate work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders.
In 2014 when similar legislation threatened the safety of Ugandans and also visitors, the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board at that time Stephen Asiimwe assured eTurboNews publisher Juergen Steinmetz, and CNN Anchor Richard Quest in a frank discussion on the sideline of ITB Berlin 2014 that the Uganda Tourism Board will guaranteed the safety of gay tourists to their country and to go even a step further and welcome gay travelers to enjoy the beauty of their tourism destination.” This statement was widely published on eTurboNews.
According to Mr. Asiimwe, “no gay visitor to our country will be harassed or not welcome for the only reason that he or she may be gay. Cultural policies are important in Uganda. We ask visitors to respect them. They include touching in public for example or engaging in sex with children.”
Coming out of the COVID pandemic tourism is one of the most important exports to the Republic of Uganda.
The face that anyone who simply says he was gay, that any journalist supporting LGBT issues is facing life in prison in Uganda, makes travel to this country dangerous.
Anyone can be accused of “this crime”, and according to social media reports this witch hunt accusing enemies or neighbors already started.
eTurboNews had covered Uganda tourism for more than 20 years and extensively.
eTN Publisher speaking on behalf of eTurboNews and as the chairman of the World Tourism Network today informed Lily Ajarova, head of the Uganda Tourism Board of the following:
Hi Lily. Don’t take this personally – i really respect you and your hard work , but I am sorry to say but eTurboNews will stop covering Uganda tourism stories immediately after the anti LGBT bill was passed.
This bill makes it dangerous for anyone to consider uganda as a holiday destination and the protection of our readers, the public and members is our duty and highest obligation.We urge you representing the tourism industry to take a stand and suggest your president to veto this bill.
Juergen Steinmetz, eTN Publisher
“eTurboNews will continue to cover all issues in regards to the development of this situation, and is ready to restart our extensive coverage once this bill is vetoed.
“Uganda remains a beautiful African country to visit, with friendly ,smiling people that wants to share their home with visitors, says Steinmetz. ” Let’s hope the global tourism industry can work with Uganda to allow visitors to safely visit this country and explore the stunning beauty of Destination Uganda”, Steinmetz concluded.
