. . . Homosexuality is currently punishable with lifetime imprisonment (in Uganda). A new proposal before Parliament affirms that punishment while expanding the definition of homosexuality. It also provides for the death sentence under certain circumstances and outlaws all advocacy or defense of LGBT people with seven years imprisonment. Failure to report LGBT people to police will result in punishment of three years imprisonment . . (Box Turtle Bulletin)
. . . This past year, Uganda has experienced a round of public vigilantism, in which accused LGBT people were publicly identified in a major tabloid newspaper and on radio and television. That was followed with reports of arrests, blackmail and extra-judicial torture . . (Box Turtle Bulletin)
Jamaican ‘Beenie Man’ performed in concert last Saturday at Kampala’s Kyadondo Rugby Club. According to The Daily Monitor, the singer – both in songs and in talk – voiced anti-gay sentiments, e.g., ‘he would like to cut the throats of all Gay men’
The concert was sponsored by Pepsi-Cola who are now busily engaged on a damage-limitation exercise
. . . We are appalled by the performer’s lyrics and find them repugnant. Our bottling partner in Uganda was not aware of the performer’s views and never would have sponsored the concert with this knowledge. Moving forward, we will work closely with our bottling partners to be more vigilant about the events associated with our brands . . . (statement from Pepsi spokesperson)
