Uganda Health Minister’s Anti-LGBTQ+ UN Remarks Draw Condemnation

International forums can shape how governments talk about human rights at home.

Public comments by Uganda’s Minister of Health, Chris Baryomunsi, have drawn condemnation from LGBTQ+ and human-rights defenders.

According to a 76 Crimes report published on 7 October 2026, Baryomunsi made the comments during a United Nations General Assembly side event in New York. He defended Uganda’s position on homosexuality and described it as inconsistent with African culture. Ugandan human-rights defenders criticised the remarks as harmful and stigmatising.

For LGBTQ+ Ugandans, this is more than a political disagreement. The community already faces serious legal and social risks under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act and other laws that criminalise same-sex relationships. Many people also experience family rejection, eviction, harassment, blackmail, violence and fear of arrest.

When senior officials speak about LGBTQ+ people in hostile or dismissive terms, their words can deepen these dangers. Public statements from people in authority can influence how families, landlords, police officers, health workers and local communities treat LGBTQ+ people.

The impact on healthcare is particularly serious. LGBTQ+ people may need HIV services, counselling, mental-health support or medical care after violence. These services depend on privacy, dignity and trust. If people fear being exposed, humiliated, refused treatment, or reported, they may avoid healthcare or delay seeking help.

Our position as LGBT Rights Uganda Foundation

At LGBT Rights Uganda Foundation, we believe that every LGBTQ+ person connected to Uganda deserves safety, dignity, accurate information, confidential support, and equal access to healthcare.

Public leaders have a responsibility to reduce fear and protect people from harm.

Language that portrays LGBTQ+ people as a threat can increase stigma and make it more difficult for people to seek help. Healthcare should be available to everyone without humiliation, discrimination, or fear.

Our work is rooted in community support, trusted information, human-rights advocacy, health pathways, and connections to appropriate services. We will continue sharing verified information, amplifying community voices, and helping people find safe and reliable support.

LGBTQ+ Ugandans are not a threat to society. They are members of families, communities and the nation, and their lives and dignity deserve protection.

We invite our followers to stay informed, share accurate information responsibly, and follow the LRUF Blog for further updates affecting LGBTQ+ communities in Uganda.

This article is based on reporting by 76 Crimes and includes the institutional perspective of LGBT Rights Uganda Foundation.