Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland deeply regrets the passing of an “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” by Uganda’s parliament on 21 March, which introduces discriminatory measures against Ugandan citizens and violates their fundamental human rights.

Through our Embassy in Kampala, and in cooperation with other like-minded partners, Ireland continues to raise concerns with the Ugandan government on the need to protect the rights of LGBTI+ people. We will continue to engage the Ugandan authorities with the aim of ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, have their human rights promoted and protected, and are treated with dignity and respect. Ireland stands in solidarity with marginalised groups and works closely with civil society groups to promote human rights in Uganda.

Ireland’s engagement in Uganda, including through our international development programme, is based on our international development policy, A Better World, and by the Government’s Strategy for Africa to 2025. We are committed to supporting the work of civil society organisations and human rights defenders on the ground.  We recognise clearly, and support, the vital role played by civil society in building peaceful, inclusive and prosperous societies and the central importance of a human rights-based approach.

Through our development programme in Uganda, Ireland is supporting education, inclusive growth and gender equality in Karamoja, one of the poorest regions in the country.  We also promotes access to justice, accountability and respect for human rights and the rule of law, working with a variety of partner organisations, UN agencies and international NGOs.

The promotion and protection of the rights of LGBTI+ people, who continue to suffer disproportionate levels of violence and face systematic discrimination in many countries, is a foreign policy priority for Ireland. Together with our EU and other like-minded partners in Uganda, Ireland will continue to be a strong advocate of LGBTI+ rights.