Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Laws Journey from 2009 to 2023
As a queer Ugandan these laws threaten my existence as a human being who is different. We have seen a lot of influential LGBT activists die to flee the country to countries that are free, yes these countries flaws but at least they don’t punish humanity. When this bill was out, I was so scared to even move, work and my mind was running 100 km per second. This is the time you start to think how you will survive without a job, think about possible homelessness and trauma, no access to medical services and so much more. This law is scary with its harsh punishments.
Uganda claims to have and protect its culture that is based on family forgetting that queer persons belong to families too and are uncles and aunts, daughters and sons on this land.
Introduction:
Uganda’s history of anti-homosexuality legislation has been marked by controversy and human rights concerns. In this blog post, we will explore the events surrounding the 2014 Anti-Homosexuality Act, examine a significant court case that unfolded in 2021, and provide an update on the punishments outlined in the new anti-homosexuality law signed in 2023. These developments shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by Uganda’s LGBT+ community.
The 2009 bill introduction
The draft “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” was introduced on October 14, 2009 in Uganda’s parliament that would violate human rights.
In an attack on the freedom of expression, a new, wide-ranging provision would forbid the “promotion of homosexuality” including publishing information or providing funds, premises for activities, or other resources. Conviction resulted in up to seven years in prison.
The bill was to criminalize the legitimate work of national and international activists and organizations working for the defense and promotion of human rights in Uganda. It would also put major barriers in the path of effective HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.
The 2014 Anti-Homosexuality Act:
In 2013, the Ugandan Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni in 2014. This law imposed severe penalties for same-sex sexual activity and related offences, including the possibility of life imprisonment. The international community condemned the law for violating human rights, and in August 2014, the Ugandan Constitutional Court annulled the act on procedural grounds.
The 2021 Court Case:
In 2021, a significant court case brought attention to the challenges faced by Uganda’s LGBT+ community. On April 12, 2021, a group of 19 LGBTQ+ individuals were arrested in a raid on a shelter in Kampala. They faced charges of “unlawful assembly” and “negligent acts likely to spread infection of disease,” which were widely seen as a pretext to target their sexual orientation.
The case gained international attention, with human rights organisations calling for the release of the detainees and highlighting the persecution faced by Uganda’s LGBT+ community. Several prominent organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, condemned the arrests and the abuse experienced by the individuals in custody.
Punishments in the 2023 Law:
On 29th May,2023, a new anti-homosexuality law was signed into law in Uganda, imposing severe punishments for same-sex sexual acts and related offenses. While specific details of the law may vary, the law is reported to include penalties that can potentially lead to life imprisonment for individuals found guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual activity.
These punishments have sparked international concern and condemnation, with human rights organisations and advocacy groups raising objections to the violation of fundamental human rights and the targeting of Uganda’s LGBT+ community.
Conclusion:
Uganda’s history with anti-homosexuality laws has been marked by controversy and human rights challenges. The 2014 Anti-Homosexuality Act, the significant court case in 2021, and the punishments outlined in the new anti-homosexuality law signed in 2023 demonstrate the ongoing struggles faced by Uganda’s LGBT+ community. It is crucial to continue advocating for equality, raising awareness about human rights violations, and supporting the efforts of organisations fighting for the recognition and protection of the rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Queer persons are parents, leaders, family breadwinners, our friends, lawyers, doctors and so much more. Let us respect humanity and not focus on differences that are not similar to us and their sexuality.
To my fellow queer family, we shall live and you are not alone in this.
By Maltego
Rella Story Teller
