"We are deeply concerned about the safety and wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. With its far reaching criminalization of homosexuality and penalties that include the death penalty bill is one of the most restrictive anti-gay legislations in the world, and a blatant attack on universal human rights", says Rector at the University of Bergen, Margareth Hagen.
It was recently announced that Uganda is introducing the death penalty for homosexuality. "Promoting homosexuality" will be punishable by 20 years in prison, and knowing about gay people without reporting them to the police is now a criminal offense.
"The bill has already led to increased hatred and violence against a vulnerable minority. The bill also jeopardizes important gains made within field of health, the struggle against HIV/AIDS, and other important development priorities that have been a cornerstone of the collaboration with the University of Bergen for decades", Hagen says.
The University of Bergen will express its support and solidarity with Rafto Foundation for Human Rights Laureate 2011 Frank Mugisha, Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), and other groups who are working for the human rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
