Uganda’s parliament has enacted an amended version of the bill that keeps LGBT people at risk of imprisonment and, in some cases, the death penalty. The change appears to reflect a request from national leaders seeking a partial relaxation of the originally harsh provisions. The resulting measure preserves the most severe penalties, including death for certain homosexual acts and up to two decades in prison for promoting homosexuality, according to contemporary reporting.
Even with these adjustments, the law remains among the strictest in the world. Advocates warn that it could give authorities broad power to criminalize nearly any form of advocacy or support for LGBT rights, casting a wide net over civil society and speech in public and private settings.
In the past, the parliament moved toward a framework that explicitly criminalizes same-sex relationships, a direction that has sparked international scrutiny and domestic debate about rights, safety, and the role of law in protecting minorities. Supporters argue the bill reflects cultural and moral norms, while opponents emphasize the potential for abuse, discrimination, and human rights violations. Human rights groups stress that the legislation could chill legitimate advocacy and leave many people vulnerable to prosecution for ordinary expressions of identity or affiliation.
As the country continues to wrestle with these issues, observers note a pattern where legal measures targeting LGBT communities can rapidly influence daily life, educational environments, workplace dynamics, and access to essential services. The ongoing discourse highlights the tension between social norms and universal rights, as lawmakers, activists, and community leaders seek a path that honors local values without eroding fundamental freedoms.