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Malema Leads EFF Protest Against Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQIA+ Bill
On Tuesday, 4 April, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demonstrated in Pretoria against Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill, which has faced condemnations as oppressive. According to Briefly SA News Today, the bill, which harshly punishes people based on their sexual orientation, was recently passed by members of Uganda’s parliament. If it becomes law, the bill will subject Ugandans to severe sentences, including the death penalty, if they are found guilty of homosexual offences.
During the protest, EFF leader Julius Malema addressed the gathering outside the Uganda High Commission and showed solidarity with Ugandan citizens. Malema urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni not to sign the anti-homosexuality bill into law, saying that the EFF would not allow a “tyrant to kill people based on their identity.” Speaking to EWN, EFF MP Yoliswa Yako called Museveni not to sign the bill and stated that Uganda’s cabinet needs to learn about hate crimes.
Given his close relationship with Museveni, Ugandan human rights activist Pappa De criticised President Cyril Ramaphosa for his silence on the anti-LGBTQIA bill. Meanwhile, some South Africans called out the EFF for being hypocritical, claiming that the party supports countries with similar anti-gay laws, such as Russia.
Previously, South African members of the LGBTQIA+ community protested against Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill in Cape Town, calling on the United Nations to pressure the Ugandan government to drop the bill. The bill criminalises homosexuality, and people convicted of aggravated homosexuality could face the death penalty in Uganda.
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Picture: Twitter / EFFSouthAfrica
