Second Lady Pastor Dorcas Gachagua has offered support to Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and his family after the United States (US) threatened to restrict visas for officials implementing anti-gay laws.
During the launch of Jesus’ Africa Book by Museveni’s daughter Pastor Patience, the second lady stated that Africa would rather miss out on trade deals than advocate for LGBTQ rights.
“We must stand for what is true and what is right. My daughter (Patience Museveni) continues with what you are doing, don’t stop and don’t be intimidated. We will stand with you.” Dorcas stated.
“LGBTQ does not have a place in Africa, It is better to miss on trade but have our integrity intact, “ she added.
Dorcas further highlighted the need to maintain family values, encouraging people to stand firm in fighting immorality.
“We must stand for what is right, we must say no to immorality. We must begin our rebuilding journey by returning to the family because family is everything,” she advised.
United States (US) Secretary of state State Antony Blinken on Monday through a statement announced that they would restrict visas for former or current Uganda state officials and their families supporting implementation of laws oppressing minority groups.
"These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons and civil society organisers," the statement read in part.
Blinken also urged the East African nation to change its approach to handling certain human rights to bolster future and current deals between the countries.
"I once again strongly encourage the government of Uganda to make concerted efforts to uphold democracy and to respect and protect human rights so that we may sustain the decades-long partnership between our countries that has benefited Americans and Ugandans alike," Blinken stated.
President Yoweri Museveni in addition to a ban on same-sex relations passed harsh anti-gay laws including the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality” which received backlash from Western donors.
Uganda has in the past overturned a “life imprisonment” law on homosexual practices after the US withdrew aid.
