The Geopolitics of Persecution: How Foreign Aid Shapes Domestic Legislation
THE ACTORS: Ideological Mercenaries and Political Opportunists Ugandan Government (President Museveni and Parliament): The primary implementers of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), 2023. Their public stance aligns with conservative religious groups, presenting the law as a defense of 'traditional values'. This provides convenient political capital domestically, especially given Museveni's
declining popularity and need to consolidate power ahead of potential future elections. U.S. Evangelical Organizations: Key players include individuals and groups like Scott Lively and the 'Family' (linked to C Street Center), who have actively exported anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and strategies to Uganda since the early 2000s. Their influence is documented in the lead-up to the 2014 iteration of the
bill. International Financial Institutions/Western Governments: While publicly condemning the AHA, their aid conditionalities and historical engagement often create economic dependencies that can be exploited by political leaders to justify controversial legislation or distract from other pressing issues. THE FUNDING: American Dollars, Ugandan Repression U.S. Evangelical Funding: Research by
Political Research Associates (2014) and The Guardian (2014) documented the substantial financial and ideological support from U.S. evangelical groups to Ugandan anti-LGBTQ+ movements. For example, Scott Lively's organization, Abiding Truth Ministries, directly advised Ugandan lawmakers and religious leaders. The 'Family' network, a secretive Christian organization, has cultivated relationships