KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan police have arrested two women in the town of Arua following reports from neighbors alleging they were engaged in same-sex relations, a police spokesperson confirmed Thursday. The arrests mark some of the first known cases under the country’s recently enacted and highly controversial anti-LGBTQ law, raising concerns about a potential surge in persecution of sexual minorities. The incident underscores the growing challenges facing the LGBTQ community in Uganda, where same-sex activity is increasingly criminalized.
According to police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, officers responded to reports of the women being seen kissing in public. Upon arriving at their residence on February 18th, authorities allegedly found the pair “in flagrante delicto on the concrete floor.” The women were subsequently detained and later released on police bond, pending further investigation. No formal charges have been filed at this time. The details of the alleged “flagrante delicto” have not been publicly released and remain under investigation.
The arrests approach less than a year after Uganda’s parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023. The law, which has drawn widespread international condemnation, imposes severe penalties for same-sex acts, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” – defined as sexual relations involving HIV-positive individuals, minors, or other vulnerable groups. While the law does not criminalize identifying as LGBTQ, it has created a climate of fear and discrimination. Human Rights Watch has documented a sharp increase in reported abuses since the law’s passage.
A Law Rooted in Colonial History and Religious Conservatism
Uganda’s current anti-LGBTQ legislation builds upon existing laws criminalizing same-sex relations dating back to the colonial era. These laws, often referred to as “unnatural offenses,” have been used to persecute LGBTQ individuals for decades. The 2023 Act significantly expands these prohibitions, introducing harsher penalties and broadening the definition of offenses. Supporters of the law, including some religious leaders and government officials, argue We see necessary to protect traditional values and safeguard children. However, critics contend that the law violates fundamental human rights and will lead to increased violence and discrimination.
Frank Mugisha, a prominent Ugandan LGBTQ activist and executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, described the arrests in Arua as a stark illustration of the law’s impact. “The arrest of these women in Arua underscores the harsh reality we are facing on the ground under the anti-homosexuality law,” Mugisha said. “We have seen a rise in targeted repression that goes beyond arrests – it has fueled a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion.” Mugisha’s organization has reported a surge in incidents of harassment, threats, and violence against LGBTQ individuals since the law was enacted.
International Condemnation and Economic Consequences
The passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act has prompted strong condemnation from international organizations and governments. The United States, for example, has imposed visa restrictions on Ugandan officials deemed responsible for human rights abuses, and the World Bank paused latest lending to the country. Reuters reported in August 2023 that the World Bank’s decision was a direct response to the law, citing concerns about its impact on development projects and human rights.
Several other countries and international bodies have also expressed their disapproval, calling for the law’s repeal and urging the Ugandan government to protect the rights of LGBTQ individuals. Despite this pressure, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has defended the law, asserting Uganda’s right to determine its own values and laws. He signed the bill into law despite earlier expressing some reservations, ultimately yielding to parliamentary pressure.
Broader Trends in Africa
Uganda is not alone in criminalizing same-sex relations. Homosexuality remains illegal in many African countries, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to death. In Senegal, lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would impose even stricter penalties for same-sex acts. Keep reading
