God Loves Uganda

Stunning in its revelations about the ways in which the African nation of Uganda became a hotbed for hatred aimed at gays and lesbians in the last decade, Oscar-winning director Roger Ross Williams's powerful documentary begins with a look at American evangelical churches, and ends with the funeral of a murdered Ugandan LGBT activist. In between, God Loves Uganda explores how Bush-era policies meant to help Uganda combat the AIDS epidemic were quickly tied to a mandatory "abstinence-only" theme adopted by the government. This development would create an opening for American extremist evangelical Christians—a marginal group stateside—to go to Uganda and demonize gays and lesbians, whom they called organized agents of humanity's destruction. Williams captures the startling hysteria on Uganda's streets, in churches, and in the nation's parliament as laws are passed that make homosexuality a crime, one that could result in a life sentence or even death. The filmmaker also documents the growing mob mentality, which led to people being attacked on the streets, LGBT activists identified in newspapers, and finally to a killing. Williams seems to be everywhere with his camera (although he also makes assiduous use of archival and other material): on buses with young American ministers in Uganda, in parliamentary session, and at town hall-like meetings where gay pornography is shown (even to children) with the intent of fomenting intolerance. He also spends time with much more inspiring subjects: the Ugandan activists who are putting their lives on the line to continue their work for human rights. DVD extras include bonus shorts and deleted scenes. A provocative and disturbing film, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)