Gay community up in arms over Bonang Matheba's Uganda gig

Bonang Matheba is on the receiving end of backlash by the gay community, who are claiming that she should not have accepted her recent Uganda gig due to the country's current gay laws.

About two years ago president Yoweri Museveni of Uganda signed a law that not only outlawed homosexual acts, but also compelled citizens to report suspected homosexual activity to the police, triggering increased levels of prejudice, violence and discrimination against the gay community.

Gay rights activists took to social media on Wednesday to slam the TV personality for agreeing to host the 2nd annual Uganda Entertainment Awards, despite the fact that she has been known to keep a close-knit circle of homosexual friends, including her make-up artist Muzi Zuma, who she often travels with.

Hoping that Bonang would have declined the gig in protest of the gays laws, DJ Olwee tweeted: "So Bonang who has a huge following of gays who are 1st to fight for her is hosting Ugandan Awards instead refusing in protest of their laws."

"I mean, she's one of the most powerful women in entertainment in Africa. I'm just saying!" he added.

This was followed by a series of tweets from him, and many other angry members of the gay community.

Defend her all you want but ask yourself if her make up artist and assistant feel comfortable going there. They're gay.

— Olwee (@Olwee) May 25, 2016

Most gays from SA speak from a point of privilege because they aren't privy to what's happening in countries such as Uganda

— RIP Pako Lefifi (@Mandla_M_) May 25, 2016

 

3. B* reigns supreme & we want her to continue breaking boundaries. However we probably won't ALL always like/agree with everything she does

— A Gangster's Wife (@Tebbbie) May 25, 2016

 

Didn't Bonang publicly say she'll never be in the cover Truelove? In support of someone else? And that's only for Photoshop.

— # z u r i (@ZuriNovember) May 25, 2016

Bonang has yet to comment.