Two women in Uganda could face life imprisonment after being arrested under the country’s sweeping Anti-Homosexuality Act for allegedly kissing in public.
The women, both in their twenties, were detained on 18 February in the northern city of Arua following a complaint from neighbours. Authorities have reportedly kept them in custody pending further investigation.
Allegations and Arrest
Uganda’s Monitor newspaper cited West Nile police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, who alleged that the women had been sharing a single-room residence and were arrested “on allegations of practicing Homosexuality.”
“Information was received from the community that the suspects have been involved in queer and unusual acts believed to be sexual in nature, besides being allegedly seen openly kissing each other in broad daylight,” she said.
“It’s further alleged that photos were taken to that effect, and that many ladies normally congregate to stay at the suspects’ residence. It is upon that information that police acted by arresting the two under the allegation of practicing Homosexuality, C/S 2(1)(2) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023,” Angucia added.
If convicted of same-sex intimacy under the law, the women could face life imprisonment.
Activists Warn of Escalating Crackdown
While some Ugandan outlets have published the women’s names, raising concerns about their safety, MambaOnline has chosen not to identify them.
Prominent Ugandan human rights advocate Frank Mugisha responded to the arrests on social media, writing:
“This underscores the grim reality we are facing on the ground under the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
“We have seen a surge in a targeted crackdown that goes beyond just arrests; it has fuelled a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion. Even criminals are now using this law as a weapon to prey on the LGBTQ+ community, knowing their victims are too terrified to seek protection.”
Harsh Penalties Under the Law
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 came into force in May 2023 and imposes some of the harshest anti-LGBTQ+ penalties in the world.
The legislation provides for life imprisonment for engaging in homosexual acts and the death penalty for so-called “aggravated homosexuality”. This includes cases involving the alleged transmission of HIV, sexual relations with a person with a disability or mental illness, an elderly person, or someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Act also criminalises the “promotion of homosexuality”, exposing human rights defenders and advocacy organisations to prison sentences of up to 20 years.
Since the law’s enactment, Uganda has recorded hundreds of reported human rights violations targeting LGBTIQ+ people, including arrests, evictions, forced anal examinations, torture and discrimination.
In January, authorities shut down at least seven human rights NGOs, including Chapter Four Uganda, known for its work defending LGBTQ+ rights.
As activists continue to warn of intensifying crackdowns, the arrests in Arua have reignited international concern over the impact of Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
