WATCH | Gay rights are human rights. EFF protests Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill

NEWS

Hundreds of EFF members and LGBTQIA+ activists picketed against Uganda’s Anti-homosexuality Bill outside the Uganda Embassy in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The picket started at Magnolia Dell Park and proceeded to the Ugandan High Commission, and was targeted at the country’s controversial anti-homosexuality law, which makes homosexual acts punishable by up to 25 years in prison – and even death.

The bill has been passed by the Ugandan Parliament and awaits a signature by President Yoweri Museveni. 

EFF leader Julius Malema said:

He said the people of Uganda were saying “we ask for your solidarity because we are about to be butchered”.

READ: Editorial | Stand up for human rights everywhere

“[We] can’t say that we are celebrating human rights in South Africa this month yet there is another part of Africa which is not celebrating it. No one must take away the life of an individual or a community on the basis of their identity.” 

He added:

The EFF said there was need for education among political leaders, and communities in general, about the rights of queer individuals. 

Pappa D, a Ugandan human rights activist and photographer, spoke during the march in solidarity with the Ugandan LGBTQIA+ community about the transgressions that come with being queer in her country.

She said:

EFF treasurer-general Omphile Maotwe, in delivering a memorandum to the Uganda Embassy, said the law must be abolished before it is adopted by other countries.

“That’s why we say that if you oppress one, you oppress all,” Maotwe said. 

Ugandan activist and photographer Pappa D addressing members of the EFF in Pretoria. Photo: Rosetta Msimango

Major General Tolito accepted the memorandum on behalf of the embassy.

“I have heard and I receive a copy of your memorandum. My duty here is not to respond, it is simply to receive it. We promise to pass your memorandum to the authorities responsible for your concern,” Tolito said.