GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
31 May 2023
Human rights apply to all human beings. They exist as a practical expression of the ancient “golden rule”, common to most religions, that sets out the principal of treating others as we’d like them to treat us.
Uganda’s new anti-gay laws, signed off by President Yoweri Museveni this week, are some of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQI+ laws, and includes the death penalty for so-called aggravated cases involving children or spreading HIV and 20-years in prison for “promoting” homosexuality.
While countries in the global north have led a chorus of outrage and condemnation over the past 24 hours, African nations have been largely, conspicuously, silent.
Last week, in response to my parliamentary question whether South Africa would consider a peacekeeping mission to defend members of the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that South Africa would raise the issue in the appropriate diplomatic channels.
While it was a welcomed commitment, those who remember the impact of South Africa’s “quiet diplomacy” approach to former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe ravages in government will not be holding their breath.
South Africa, with its relatively recent experience of overcoming institutionalised oppression, supported by the world, has a particular responsibility to raise its voice on this matter.
President Museveni has been in office for 38 years, and doesn’t plan to step down. By kowtowing to popular anti-gay sentiment in his country he is creating a State sanctioned environment for prejudice, hatred and homophobic violence – while bolstering his popularity.
Unlike its ham-fisted pretence at remaining neutral in respect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South Africa should adopt a similarly principled stance to that it has adopted in response to the State of Israel’s injustice against Palestine and Palestinians.
It should unequivocally condemn Uganda and, unless an urgent undertaking is forthcoming to review the legislation, advocate for a boycott and divestment campaign.
South Africa should make it clear to Museveni that he and members of his executive will not be welcome guests in our country until Uganda acknowledges the human rights of members of its LGBTQI+ community.
In the meantime, South Africa should extend a hand of friendship to oppressed Ugandans by offering them refugee status.
Media Enquiries:
Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 518 3264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za
Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za