Members of the LGBTQ community in Europe have praised Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), for his advocacy of gay rights in Uganda and Africa. Despite initial skepticism due to past remarks, Bobi Wine’s recent actions have garnered appreciation from LGBTQ individuals in Belgium and other European nations. They view him as a champion for their cause within Africa, highlighting his efforts to promote sexual minorities’ rights.
David Vidal Sans, a Press and Communications Advisor at the European Union Parliament, publicly commended Bobi Wine on social media for his support of human and LGBTQ rights. Sans referred to Bobi Wine as Uganda’s prominent leader and emphasized his role in shedding light on the country’s authoritarian reality through a documentary. However, Sans later deleted the tweet, sparking discussions in Uganda regarding Bobi Wine’s stance on LGBTQ issues.
Despite past criticism and accusations of homophobia, Bobi Wine has clarified his support for the LGBTQ community since entering politics in 2018. He openly condemned his party’s MPs for backing the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), which imposes severe penalties on homosexuality in Uganda. Bobi Wine’s vocal opposition to the AHA led to the removal of party members who supported the legislation.
However, Bobi Wine’s position on LGBTQ rights appears to differ depending on his audience. While he expresses full support in Western countries, he avoids association with homosexuals upon returning to Uganda, fearing a backlash from conservative locals. This dilemma reflects a tension between financial support from the LGBTQ community and political backing from Ugandan constituents.
In Uganda, concerns have been raised about Bobi Wine’s alleged advocacy for LGBTQ rights. Dr. Abed Bwanika, a member of Masaka City’s Kimaanya Kabonera Division, petitioned the NUP leadership to clarify its stance on LGBTQ issues. Dr. Bwanika highlighted public anxieties regarding the party’s perceived support for homosexuality, referencing Bobi Wine’s international interviews where he appeared to advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Moreover, suspicions have arisen regarding Bobi Wine’s connections with international LGBTQ activists and sponsors, including Rev. Jesse Jackson and US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. Concerns about potential financial influence from LGBTQ organizations on NUP’s leadership decisions have also been voiced, particularly regarding the removal of Mathias Mpuuga from the Leader of the Opposition post due to his differing stance on LGBTQ issues.
In interviews, Bobi Wine has criticized Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act as a tool to suppress the opposition rather than protect citizens. He has expressed a desire to be an inclusive leader but remains cautious about openly challenging laws targeting LGBTQ individuals.
