Uganda: President Museveni confirms law prescribing up to 20 years imprisonment for same-sex relationships

By Amina Hilda

The Head of State of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has announced that Homosexuals in his country will henceforth face at least 20 years in prison.

The announcement of the promulgation was made on Monday, May 29, 2023, on the Twitter account of the President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Museveni.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 provides heavy penalties against same-sex relationships and those who promote homosexuality.

According to him, anyone who “knowingly promotes homosexuality” risks up to 20 years in prison and a ten-year ban if it is an organization.

He, however notes that “a person who is presumed or suspected of being homosexual, who has not committed a sexual act with another person of the same sex, does not commit the offense of homosexuality”.

“Aggravated homosexuality” on its part will be punishable by capital punishment.

The bill was passed on March 21, then amended and passed by almost all members of parliament.

For Amnesty International, it is a “contemptuous law (which) flagrantly violates the human rights of LGBTI people in Uganda”.

This comes admist warnings by the United States, the United Kingdom and the EU of the consequences that could follow.