Two women in Uganda could face up to life in prison after police arrested them under the country’s draconian 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.
Allegedly Seen Kissing Each Other
Uganda’s Monitor newspaper quoted West Nile police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, who alleged that the women had been living together in a single room 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.
Authorities have kept the women in detention. If convicted of engaging in same-sex intimacy, they could face life imprisonment.
Activists Warn of Escalating Crackdown
While Ugandan media have reported the names of the women, putting them in danger of further harassment and violence, MambaOnline has chosen not to publish their identities.
“This underscores the grim reality we are facing on the ground under the Anti-Homosexuality Act,” wrote Ugandan human rights activist Frank Mugisha on X in response to the arrests.
“We have seen a surge in a targeted crackdown that goes beyond just arrests; it has fueled 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,” he added.
Harsh Penalties Under the Law
Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act came into force in May 2023, Uganda has recorded hundreds of human rights violations targeting LGBTIQ+ people. These have included arrests, evictions, forced anal examinations, torture, and violations of the rights to equality and freedom from discrimination.
The law imposes life imprisonment for engaging in homosexual acts and the death penalty for “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”, placing human rights defenders and organisations that advocate for LGBTQ+ rights at risk of prison sentences of up to 20 years.
In January, the Ugandan government shut down at least seven human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Chapter Four Uganda, known for its advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ people.
