Pulse logo
Pulse Region

British comedian faces backlash after being ‘schooled’ by Ugandan tour guide

Romesh was here to film episodes of his BAFTA-winning The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan
Romesh Ranganathan in down town Kampala
Romesh Ranganathan in down town Kampala

Romesh was in Uganda to film episodes of his BAFTA-winning show, 'The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan'.

In the show, he visits African countries that are not typical tourist destinations and tries to find out if it’s worth a trip for fellow Brits.

During the visit, the comedian caught up with a tour guide identified only as Alex, who engaged him on his concerns about Ugandan laws such as the Anti-homosexuality Act which was passed last year.

Recommended For You
Lifestyle
2025-03-17T14:10:09+00:00
Attraction is often communicated through non-verbal cues, with body language revealing more than words ever could. If you’re trying to determine whether a woman is interested in you, observing her body language can give you valuable insights.
Entertainment
2025-03-18T02:26:22+00:00
Khalif Kairo and his former business partner Clement Kinuthia are locked in a heated exchange of accusations, with Kairo now alleging that Clement not only cheated on his wife but also had an affair with his (Kairo’s) girlfriend. The car dealer also revealed that he is currently single, but will introduce a new lady once he resolves the issues surrounding his business.
Businessman A past image of Khalif Kairo with his ex business partner Clement Kinuthia

Alex, calmly explained that she, like most people in Uganda, welcomed the legislation.

It represents what we believe as a people. Women marry men, that's it. There's no in-between,” she told the comic'

As he pushed further, Alex swatted away his objections. She told him that being gay was a choice and that every society has rules about what is not permissible — and Britain's rules were too lax for her culture.

Backlash

Some groups in the UK, however, were not happy with how the comedian handled the exchange. Some believe he was not confrontational enough.

Check out: A gay Ugandan man faces deportation from Canada due to inability to verify his sexual orientation

One commentator wrote in the Daily Mail, slamming Romesh for being “shallow” and his “general lack of research.”

He struggled to articulate his outrage to Alex…This show's running joke is that he is not a confrontational chap — he wants to like everyone,” wrote Christopher Stevens.

He might take the mickey but never gets stuck into an argument. That has been the chief weakness of the show since it first aired in 2018, and never before has it been so ruthlessly highlighted.”

The first part of Romesh’s visit aired on May 29 at 9:00 p.m. on BBC Two.

Subscribe to receive daily news updates.