Image via Passport.

The nearly 40-year-old publisher of guidebooks, Lonely Planet, has released their list of best destinations in the world and many are taking issue with the company’s proclamation that Uganda is the “Number One Country of 2012.” Uganda has been making headlines for the country’s proposed “Kill the Gays Bill” that would effectively imprison homosexuals for life and kill repeat offenders. The country’s disregard for human rights has even prompted international sanctions against the African country with Britain leading the way. Also this year, homophobia in the country trickled down from legislatures to the people. Along with numerous attacks on LGBT organizations, the most shocking piece of news came in January when gay rights activist David Kato was brutally murdered.

So how could Lonely Planet hail Uganda as the Number One Country of 2012? Editor Tom from Lonely Planet chimed in in the comments section, which was immediately flooded with criticism of the sites selection:

We chose Uganda for the experiences that it can offer to travelers, separate from its current political situation. To be very clear: we are aware of, and condemn, Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill. We hope that travellers do not judge the country in general, and most of its people, by the sentiments of its government. Many destinations across the world have political and human rights issues and travel often can raise awareness of these issues.

We also think that travel can raise awareness of “these issues,” though we believe that change can come to a country by refusing to spend money in a place with such flagrant disregard to human rights. We also must continue to support those in Uganda who are working tirelessly for equality—organizations like Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG) and Sexual Minorities Uganda (whose website appears to have been hacked).

We call on Lonely Planet to rescind their choice of Uganda as the “Number One Country of 2012″ and to issue an apology to gay people everywhere. Click here to comment on their website.