Jacob Brown
Activists welcome boycotts on Sarah Achieng Opendi and other legislators against a set of anti-LGBTQ+ pressure in Africa.
Sarah Achieng Opendi, a Ugandan Member of Parliament who sparked outrage by advocating for the castration of homosexuals during a parliamentary debate, has been denied a visa to attend a UN meeting in New York.
The rejection comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Uganda’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Visa Denial and Shock
Opendi expressed shock after her visa application to attend the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York was rejected by the US embassy in Kampala.
The denial, pending “administrative” review, has left Opendi questioning the decision, especially considering that other MPs who supported the controversial bill have been granted visas.
US Visa Restrictions and International Response
In December, the US imposed visa restrictions on numerous Ugandan lawmakers and their families due to their involvement in passing legislation that imposes severe penalties on LGBTQ+ individuals.
The legislation, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni, includes provisions for the death penalty or life imprisonment for certain same-sex acts.
International Activism and Support
The denial of Opendi’s visa follows similar actions taken against other Ugandan officials, including parliamentary speaker Anita Among.
Activists in Uganda have welcomed these measures, seeing them as a step towards accountability for those spreading hatred and discrimination.
Hope for Change
Human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo sees the visa denial as a significant statement against individuals promoting hate and intolerance.
He hopes it sends a strong message that such attitudes are unacceptable in modern society and have no place in civilised societies.
Continued Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Rights
The denial of visas to officials involved in promoting anti-LGBTQ+ legislation reflects ongoing international efforts to combat discrimination and promote equality for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The decision underscores the importance of upholding human rights and condemning acts of discrimination and violence.
