Uganda Human Right Activists Want Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 Quashed

A section of Human Rights Activists have filed a petition in Court, challenging the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 which allows the death penalty for homosexual acts in Uganda.

This comes hours after President Museveni assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 making it a law designating his decision on African Culture despite pressure from Western nations and threats of Aid cut by development partners.

“The Western countries should stop wasting the time of humanity by trying to impose their practices on other people,” said Museveni.

The petitioners led by Steven Kabuye want the Court to quash the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, other petitioners include former Makerere University law don Prof. Sylvia Tamale, West Budama North MP Fox Odoi as well as journalist Andrew Mwenda.

“The decision to sign the anti-homosexuality act 2023 into law violates basic human rights and sets a dangerous precedent for discrimination and persecution against the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda,” said Kabuye.

The UN has strongly condemned Museveni in a statement that said: “We are appalled that the draconian and discriminatory anti-gay bill is now law. It is a recipe for systematic violations of the rights of LGBT people and the wider population. It conflicts with the constitution and international treaties and requires urgent judicial review.”

The signed bill allows life imprisonment for same-sex acts, up to 20 years in prison for anyone found recruiting, promoting, or funding homosexuality, and a 14years sentence for those newly recruited.

By Lawrence Mutie and Mahlon Lichuma