This week the Ugandan Parliament took a dramatic step that has drawn global attention. Lawmakers passed a sweeping measure that bans homosexuality and consensual same-sex relationships, introducing penalties that include lengthy prison terms and even the possibility of extreme outcomes for violators. The vote was nearly unanimous, signaling broad political support for a policy framed as defending traditional values in a religious and conservative East African nation.
Immediately after the measure was approved, the international community voiced strong objections. The law criminalizes LGBTQ identification and grants authorities wide powers to persecute individuals. Ugandans who identify as LGBTQ already faced legal discrimination and risks from gang violence, and critics warn that the new rules will intensify those dangers. The scope of the law raises alarms about civil liberties and the protection of basic human rights in the country.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the law undermines fundamental rights and reverses progress in public health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He urged Ugandan authorities to reconsider its implementation. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre echoed those concerns, describing the measure as one of the most extreme steps against LGBTQ people seen anywhere in the world. Her remarks highlighted fears about a chilling effect on the community and on access to essential services.
“Aggravated homosexuality”
Supporters argue the legislation is necessary to deter a wider spectrum of LGBTQ activity and to protect what they view as national cultural and religious traditions. The text imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty for aggravated cases and life imprisonment for same-sex relationships. Aggravated homosexuality is defined in broad terms, including relationships with anyone under 18 or with someone who is seropositive, among other criteria.
The law’s vague wording has raised concerns about how broadly it could be applied. Critics warn that those who encourage or merely fail to discourage same-sex activity could also be punished. In reality, the measure is seen by many as institutionalizing discrimination, fueling hatred, and hindering the work of civil society, public health professionals, and community leaders. Local LGBTQ advocates stress that clinics and health centers could become unsafe spaces for those in need of care, with potential increases in trauma and mental health crises that follow the stigma.
The bill is expected to be sent to President Yoweri Museveni soon. He has previously characterized homosexuality as a deviation from normal and suggested that Western attempts to influence Africa on sexual orientation should be resisted. The political moment has sparked fear among activists, many of whom worry about mass arrests and increased violence against LGBTQ individuals and communities.
One Ugandan activist who has lived openly as LGBTQ recently noted that the law’s passage could lead to a climate of fear and legal jeopardy for NGOs and rights groups. He indicated hopes to challenge the measure in court, arguing that it violates constitutional protections for privacy and free expression and conflicts with international commitments Uganda has signed. Legal scholars in Kampala have suggested that the law might face obstacles on procedural grounds, while others say it clearly infringes basic rights regardless of legal maneuvers.
Deep concern
The European Union expressed strong reservations about the legislation, with a spokesperson stating that criminalizing homosexuality contravenes international law and calls for equal treatment under the African Charter that recognizes every person’s rights. The EU affirmed its commitment to working with Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure dignity and equal treatment for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, while continuing to support public health and human rights programs.
The measure also drew critique from global bodies. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights characterized the move as worrying, noting that punitive actions against LGBTQ people for merely existing or being who they are run counter to universal human rights standards. In the United States, officials warned that Uganda could face economic repercussions if the law is enacted, underscoring the broader implications for development aid and international partnerships.