In Entebbe, Uganda, a rainbow tower located in a children’s park was removed after the National Parents Association of Uganda deemed the rainbow colors to be “satanic” and promoting homosexuality. The tower had been painted in rainbow colors by a local organization in an effort to refurbish the park. Uganda’s strict anti-gay laws make even the promotion of homosexuality a crime, punishable with sentences of up to life in prison.
Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda addressed the removal of the tower, stating that it was important to “curb any vices that would corrupt the minds of our children.” The rainbow colors have often been associated with the LGBTQ+ Pride flag and the fight for equality.
In a separate development, the Ugandan government has established a committee to investigate the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights in schools. This comes after the government shut down leading LGBTQ+ rights group Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and rejected a proposal to recognize the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals in the Kasese district. Despite the government’s hostility towards the LGBTQ+ community, a report showed that LGBTQ+ rights are becoming a growing priority for young African people.