‘Aggravated homosexuality’ attracts death under new Uganda law

Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, has signed a controversial anti-gay legislation into law, despite widespread condemnation from rights activists and the international community.

The new law, while not criminalizing individuals based on their LGBTQ identity, introduces severe penalties for what it terms “aggravated homosexuality.”

– Key points to note

Under the legislation, those found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes cases involving sexual relations with minors, individuals infected with HIV, and other vulnerable groups, could face the death penalty. Suspects convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality” could be imprisoned for up to 14 years.

– Why this matters

The bill had undergone some revisions after being returned to the national assembly by Mr Museveni in April. He sought changes that would differentiate between identifying as LGBTQ and engaging in homosexual acts.

The move angered some lawmakers who feared that the president might veto the bill due to international pressure. In May, an amended version of the bill was passed by the parliament.

In response to the signing of the law, Parliamentary Speaker Anita Among praised Museveni, saying that he had “answered the cries of our people.”

However, the legislation has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Amnesty International described it as “draconian and overly broad,” and the United States warned of potential economic consequences.

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Uganda had already criminalized homosexuality under a colonial-era law that prescribes life imprisonment for engaging in sexual activity “against the order of nature.” The new law compounds the already hostile environment for the LGBTQ community in the country.

In recent weeks, anti-gay sentiment in Uganda has escalated, fuelled by news reports alleging incidents of sodomy in boarding schools.

The signing of the anti-gay law in Uganda reflects a continuing struggle for LGBTQ rights on the African continent who mostly perceive it as a foreign import rather than a sexual orientation. The act remains criminalized in over 30 of the 54 African countries.