Kampala, Uganda A Ugandan newspaper on Feb. 25 published a list of what it called the country’s “200 top” homosexuals, outing some Ugandans who previously had not identified themselves as gay one day after the president enacted a harsh anti-gay law.
Many of those named fear violence, and some want to leave the country, said prominent Ugandan gay activist Pepe Julian Onziema, who was identified in the list.
“They are scared and they need help,” Onziema said. “Some want to leave the country and they are asking to be helped. Some of the employers have read the paper, and from the descriptions they can tell who these people are.”
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the Feb. 24 signing of the bill by President Yoweri Museveni marked “a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights” and warned that Washington could cut aid to the government of the East African nation.
The Red Pepper tabloid published the names—and some pictures—of alleged homosexuals in a front-page story under the headline: “EXPOSED!”
Uganda’s new anti-gay law punishes gay sex with up to life in jail, and the penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” is reduced from death to a life sentence. First-time offenders also face life in jail.
The offenses of “promoting homosexuality,””conspiracy to commit homosexuality” as well as “aiding and abetting homosexuality” are punishable with a seven-year jail term.
