In a move that has drawn international criticism, a Ugandan Man has been indicted under the contentious anti-LGBTQ+ law sanctioned by President Yoweri Museveni earlier this year.
The anti-LGBTQ+ law, often labelled as the most severe policy of its type globally, carries a life imprisonment penalty for those found guilty of same-sex relations. In more severe cases tagged as ‘aggravated homosexuality’, the punishment can escalate to the death penalty. The criteria for this ‘aggravated’ label encompass acts like relations with a minor or vulnerable person, engaging in incest, or relations while being HIV positive.
The official charges, as per documents accessed by Reuters, did not delve into the specifics of what constituted the ‘aggravated’ nature of the act but mentioned that the accused had engaged in a prohibited act with a man of 41 years.
Since President Museveni ratified this legislation in May 2023, several detentions have occurred. However, this 20-year-old individual is the first to face the severe ‘aggravated homosexuality’ charge.
Jacqueline Okui, representing the office of the director of public prosecutions, explained the gravity of the situation, stating, “Given that this is a grave offence under the High Court’s purview, the charges were detailed and clarified to him in the Magistrate’s Court… post which he was taken into custody.” Okui also confirmed her unawareness of any other such cases thus far.
The global community reacted with deep shock when the Ugandan parliament approved the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The aftermath saw a barrage of criticisms from human rights advocates, international leaders, and esteemed entities like the United Nations Human Rights Commission.
In a more direct response, the US imposed visa curbs on Ugandan authorities, President Joe Biden called for a thorough review of US aid allocations to Uganda, and the World Bank halted its financial assistance, citing a stark conflict with its core principles. Yet, Uganda remains resolute in its stance on the legislation.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, a well-known adversary of LGBTQ+ rights, has governed the nation since 1986.
