LGBT rights in Uganda

LGBT rights in Uganda
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons in Uganda face severe legal challenges, active discrimination, state persecution and stigmatisation not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Both male and female homosexual activity is illegal in Uganda. Originally criminalised by British colonial laws introduced when Uganda became a British protectorate, these were retained after the country gained its independence.
Although largely unenforced for decades, attempts to reinvigorate their application has been ongoing since the 1990s. In the decades since, anti-gay rhetoric and efforts to introduce harsher laws have gained momentum, culminating in the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which prescribes up to twenty years in prison for "promotion of homosexuality", life imprisonment for "homosexual acts", and the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality". It came into force in 2023, making Uganda the only Christian-majority country to punish some types of consensual same-sex acts with the death penalty.
LGBT people continue to face severe discrimination in Uganda, actively encouraged by religious and conservative political and community leaders. Violent attacks and harassment against LGBT people are common, often performed by state officials. Same-sex marriage has been constitutionally banned since 2005.
Male same-sex sexual activity was present and largely unremarkable in many contexts in precolonial Ugandan society.
Precolonial context
There is widespread denial that homosexuality was practised before colonisation, and homosexuality is often considered "un-African" or "Western"; promotion of LGBT-rights is often viewed as a form of neocolonialism, the imposition of outside cultural values upon Africa.
Similarly to neighbouring Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, male homosexual relations were acknowledged and tolerated in precolonial Ugandan society. Among the Baganda, Uganda's largest ethnic group, homosexuality was usually treated with indifference. The Luganda term refers to homosexuals, though usage nowadays is commonly pejorative. Among the Lango people, individuals were believed to form a "third gender" alongside male and female. The were effeminate men, mostly treated by Langi society as women and could marry other men without social sanctions. Homosexuality was also acknowledged among the Teso, Bahima, Banyoro, and Karamojong peoples. Societal acceptance eroded after the arrival of the British and the creation of the Protectorate of Uganda.
The last reigning Kabaka of Buganda, or king, Mwanga II, was known to have regular sexual relations with men and women, having had a total of sixteen wives; he also had sex with his male pages, a traditional privilege of his royal position. The degree of the pages' autonomy and ability to give free consent is unclear; this uncertainty is exploited by anti-LGBT activists in depicting Mwanga as abusive and predatory. This interpretation of court dynamics is given credence, however, by the fate of a number of Christian pages who for religious reasons refused to participate in sexual activity with their ruler and were subsequently put to death by Mwanga. What his servants' prior attitudes to the sexual activity were before they became subject to the prohibitions of their new religion is not known.
Over the course of his reign, Mwanga II increasingly regarded the Christian missionaries and the European colonial powers as threats. He espoused a more aggressive policy than many other African leaders, choosing to expel all missionaries and insist that Christian and Muslim converts abandon their faith or face death. The advent of colonial rule was accomplished by 1894, within nine years of the murders of the Christian servants.
Laws and policies
Laws prohibiting same-sex sexual acts were first put in place under British colonial rule. They were retained and expanded following independence. Conservative evangelical Christian missionaries have had significant influence on the passage of anti-LGBT legislation in Uganda.
Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023
On 21 March 2023, Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which had been introduced earlier the same month by Asuman Basalirwa. The draft law prescribed the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuals" (definition includes those who are convicted of homosexuality more than once and those who engage in homosexual sex with a person older than 75 or with a disabled person) and up to 20 years in prison for "promoters" of homosexuality.
On 21 April, President Museveni sent the bill back to Parliament, which passed it again on 2 May with minor amendments by a vote of 348 to 1. Museveni signed it into law on 26 May.
Maximum penalties prescribed under the Act include:
Life imprisonment for homosexual acts
for attempted homosexual acts, imprisonment for 10 years
Death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality"
for attempted "aggravated homosexuality", imprisonment for 14 years
Sex crimes such as the sexual abuse of children or other vulnerable people are included in the definition of aggravated homosexuality (for example, sexual intercourse with a person not consenting or unable to consent, or younger than 18), so conflating these abusive behaviours with homosexuality. Additionally, intercourse with a person older than 75, or a disabled or mentally ill person are also listed as acts of "aggravated homosexuality". In addition, repeat offenders (those convicted of homosexuality multiple times), or anyone who transmits serious infectious diseases while engaging in same-sex sexual conduct are also defined as "aggravated homosexuals".
People convicted of homosexuality or attempted homosexuality, aggravated homosexuality or attempted aggravated homosexuality cannot be employed in childcare facilities even after release.
Other penalties under the act include:
Three years imprisonment for minors convicted of homosexuality
Ten years imprisonment for knowingly renting premises to people who wish to engage in homosexual acts on such a premise
Twenty years imprisonment for promoting homosexuality
For "purporting to contract a same-sex marriage", as well as for knowingly attending a purported same-sex marriage ceremony: imprisonment for ten years.
Failing to report a witnessed homosexual act: imprisonment for five years. Lawyers acting in their official capacity are exempt from this provision.
For falsely accusing another person of homosexuality: imprisonment for one year
In August 2023, a 20-year-old man became the first person prosecuted for "aggravated homosexuality" under the law, for which he faces the death penalty.
2019 Sexual Offences Bill
In May 2021, the outgoing parliament passed the Sexual Offences Bill, further criminalizing sex work and gay sex in the final days of its last session.
The incoming government indicated that it would not grant assent to the bill, meaning that it would not become law. On 29 July 2021, petitions by gay and human rights activists arose to President Museveni not to sign another bill into law which would further criminalise gay sex, stating that it could increase violent attacks even to people suspected of being gay. In August 2021, President Museveni confirmed that he would not sign the bill into law at this time, suggesting much of its content is already covered by existing legislation and sending it back to Parliament to address these redundancies. Museveni reportedly also had concerns about foreign policy implications and democratic buy-in and felt it was not politically advantageous to sign it as he had already recently won re-election.
2014 Anti-Homosexuality Act
On 13 October 2009, Member of Parliament David Bahati introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which would broaden the criminalization of same-sex relationships in Uganda and introduce the death penalty for serial offenders, HIV-positive people who engage in sexual activity with people of the same sex, and persons who engage in same-sex sexual acts with people under 18 years of age. Individuals or companies that promote LGBT rights would be fined or imprisoned, or both. Persons "in authority" would be required to report any offence under the Act within 24 hours or face up to three years' imprisonment.
In November 2012, Parliament Speaker Rebecca Kadaga promised to pass a revised anti-homosexuality law in December 2012. "Ugandans want that law as a Christmas gift. They have asked for it, and we'll give them that gift." The Parliament, however, adjourned in December 2012 without acting on the bill. The bill passed on 17 December 2013 with a punishment of life in prison instead of the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", and the new law was promulgated in February 2014.
In June 2014, in response to the passing of this Act, the United States Department of State announced several sanctions, including, among others, cuts to funding, blocking certain Ugandan officials from entering the country, cancelling aviation exercises in Uganda and supporting Ugandan LGBT NGOs.
In August 2014, Uganda's Constitutional Court annulled this law on the basis it had been passed without the required quorum.
Penal Code Act 1950
The Penal Code Act 1950 contains provisions banning homosexual intercourse. The following sections of that Act are relevant:
Before the Penal Code Amendment (Gender References) Act 2000 was enacted, only same-sex acts between men were criminalised. In 2000, that Act was passed and changed references to "any male" to "any person" so that grossly indecent acts between women were criminalised as well, and are now punishable by up to seven years imprisonment. The Act also extended this criminalising such acts to both homosexuals and heterosexuals, effectively outlawing oral sex and anal sex for everybody, regardless of sexual orientation.
Prohibition of same-sex marriage
On 29 September 2005, President Yoweri Museveni signed a constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage. Clause 2a of Section 31 states: "Marriage between persons of the same sex is prohibited."
Recognition of transgender identity
In October 2021, trans woman Cleopatra Kambugu Kentaro was issued new ID identifying her as female. She is the first Ugandan to have a change of gender legally recognised.
Constitutional provisions
Article 21 of the Ugandan Constitution, "Equality and freedom from discrimination", guarantees protection against discriminatory legislation for all citizens.
On 22 December 2008, the High Court of Uganda ruled that Articles 23, 24, and 27 of the Uganda Constitution apply to all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Article 23 states that "No person shall be deprived of personal liberty." Article 24 states that "No person shall be subjected to any form of torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." Article 27 states that "No person shall be subjected to: (a) unlawful search of the person, home or other property of that person; or (b) unlawful entry by others of the premises of that person or property. No person shall be subjected to interference with the privacy of that person's home, correspondence, communication or other property."
In November 2016, the Constitutional Court of Uganda ruled that a provision in the Equal Opportunities Commission Act was unconstitutional. This provision effectively barred the commission from investigating "any matter involving behaviour which is considered to be immoral and socially harmful, or unacceptable by the majority of the cultural and social communities in Uganda." The court ruled that the section breaches the right to a fair hearing and as well as the rights of minorities, as guaranteed in the Constitution.
The court also ruled that Uganda's Parliament cannot create a class of "social misfits who are referred to as immoral, harmful and unacceptable" and cannot legislate the discrimination of such persons. Following the ruling, Maria Burnett, Human Rights Watch Associate Director for East Africa, said: "Because of their work, all Ugandans should now be able to bring cases of discrimination – against their employers who fired or harassed them, or landlords who kicked them out of their homes – and finally receive a fair hearing before the commission."
Living conditions
The climate in Uganda is hostile to homosexuals; many political leaders have used openly anti-gay rhetoric, and have said that homosexuality is "akin to bestiality", was "brought to Uganda by white people" and is "un-African". Simon Lokodo, Minister for Ethics and Integrity, is known by Ugandan LGBT activists as "the country's main homophobe", has suggested that rape is more morally acceptable than consensual sex between people of the same sex, has accompanied violent police raids on LGBT events and actively suppresses freedom of speech and of assembly for LGBT people.
In 2004, the Uganda Broadcasting Council fined Radio Simba over $1,000 and forced it to issue a public apology after hosting homosexuals on a live talk show. The council's chairman, Godfrey Mutabazi, said the programme "is contrary to public morality and is not in compliance with the existing law". Information Minister Nsaba Buturo said the measure reflected Ugandans' wish to uphold "God's moral values" and "We are not going to give them the opportunity to recruit others."
In 2005, Human Rights Watch reported on Uganda's abstinence until marriage programs. "By definition... [they] discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. For young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender... and cannot legally marry in Uganda,... these messages imply, wrongly, that there is no safe way for them to have sex. They deny these people information that could save their lives. They also convey a message about the intrinsic wrongfulness of homosexual conduct that reinforces existing social stigma and prejudice to potentially devastating effect."
In June 2012, the Ugandan Government announced the ban of 38 non-governmental organizations (NGO) it accused of "promoting homosexuality" and "undermining the national culture". Simon Lokodo, the country's Minister of Ethics and Integrity, claimed the NGOs were "receiving support from abroad for Uganda's homosexuals and 'recruiting' young children into homosexuality." He also said that "they are encouraging homosexuality as if it is the best form of sexual behaviour." That same month, Lokodo ordered Ugandan police to break-up an LGBT rights workshop in Kampala. Later in the month, the Ugandan Government, in an apparent rebuke of Lokodo, announced that it will no longer attempt to break up meetings of LGBT rights groups.
The U.S. Department of State's 2011 human rights report found that:
A 2018 article in African Health Sciences said that Uganda's high HIV rate has "roots" in Uganda's stigma against same-sex sexual behavior and sex work.
In June 2021, a raid on the Happy Family Youth Shelter in Kampala resulted in forty-four arrests. Police claimed that an illegal same-sex wedding was being held and that the participants were "doing a negligent act likely to spread infection of disease." Several of the detainees then alleged that police performed invasive anal examinations on them. Thirty-nine of the 44 were released on bail after several days in detention, with the trial scheduled for 8 July.
Violence and harassment
Vigilante attacks, including harassment, beatings and murder occur. Both state and non-state actors are involved in targeting those perceived as LGBT. However, the United States Department of State considers that mob violence is prevalent in many circumstances in Uganda. It is directed at a range of socially disapproved individuals for actual or perceived wrongdoing, due, in the view of the State Department's report, to the community's lack of confidence in the police and judiciary. Extrajudicial police actions against LGBT individuals, such as arbitrary detention, beatings and psychological coercion, meet the United Nations criteria for torture.
In October 2019, 28-year-old Ugandan LGBT activist Brian Wasswa was beaten to death in his own home.
In August 2016, an LGBT event was brutally interrupted by police officers who violently attacked and beat the people present at the event, eventually arresting sixteen. In August 2017, the organisers of Pride Uganda had to cancel the event after threats of arrest by the police and the government.
Media 'outings'
In August 2006, a Ugandan newspaper, The Red Pepper, published a list of the first names and professions (or areas of work) of forty-five allegedly gay men.
In October 2010, the tabloid paper Rolling Stone published the full names, addresses, photographs, and preferred social-hangouts of 100 allegedly gay and lesbian Ugandans, accompanied by a call for their execution. David Kato, Kasha Jacqueline, and Pepe Julian Onziema, all members of the Civil Society Coalition On Human Rights and Constitutional Law, filed suit against the tabloid. A High Court judge in January 2011 issued a permanent injunction preventing Rolling Stone and its managing editor Giles Muhame from "any further publications of the identities of the persons and homes of the applicants and homosexuals generally".
The court further awarded USh plus court costs to each of the plaintiffs. The judge ruled that the outing, and the accompanying incitation to violence, threatened the subjects' fundamental rights and freedoms, attacked their right to human dignity, and violated their constitutional right to privacy. Kato was murdered in 2011, shortly after winning the lawsuit.
LGBT rights activism
Uganda's main LGBT rights organization is Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), founded in 2004 by Victor Mukasa. Frank Mugisha is the executive director and the winner of both the 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and the 2011 Rafto Prize for his work on behalf of LGBT rights in Uganda. Its early years were relatively from government interference, however its 2012 application for official registration was rejected by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, the body which oversees non-government organisations (NGOs). The bureau's 2016 decision was challenged but was upheld by the High Court in 2018. The court's decision confirmed the bureau's legal right to withhold registration from SMUG as an organisation whose objectives "are in contravention of the laws of Uganda." While NGOs barred from registration could operate on an informal basis as "associations", they are restricted from opening bank accounts or seeking funding from donations. In 2019, the government revoked the permission to operate of more than twelve thousand NGOs. In August 2022, SMUG was ordered by the Uganda's NGO bureau to cease its operations altogether.
In late 2014, LGBT Ugandans published the first installment of Bombastic Magazine and launched the online platform Kuchu Times. These actions have been dubbed as a "Reclaiming The Media Campaign" by distinguished activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera. She was awarded the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 2011.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi is the first Ugandan presidential candidate to openly oppose homophobia. He ran in the 2016 presidential election and came third.
In November 2017, several police officers from the Kampala Metropolitan Police Area were ordered by police headquarters to attend a workshop on LGBT rights. A police spokesperson said: "What the training is aimed at, is to teach our field officers to appreciate that minorities have rights that should be respected."
The term , of Swahili origin, is increasingly used by the Ugandan LGBT community. A documentary film, Call Me Kuchu, was released in 2012, focusing in part on the 2011 murder of LGBT activist David Kato.
Public opinion
A 2007 Pew Global Attitudes Project poll found that 96 percent of Ugandan residents believed that homosexuality is a way of life that society should not accept, which was the fifth-highest rate of non-acceptance in the 45 countries surveyed. A poll conducted in 2010, however, revealed that 11 percent of Ugandans viewed homosexual behavior as being morally acceptable. Among other members of the East African Community, only one percent in Tanzania, four percent in Rwanda, and one percent in Kenya had the same view.
A 2013 Pew Research Center opinion survey showed that 96 percent of Ugandans believed homosexuality should not be accepted by society, while four percent believed it should. Older people were more accepting than younger people: three percent of people between 18 and 29 believed it should be accepted, two percent of people between 30 and 49 and seven percent of people over 50.
In May 2015, PlanetRomeo, an LGBT social network, published its first Gay Happiness Index (GHI). Gay men from over 120 countries were asked about how they feel about society's view on homosexuality, how do they experience the way they are treated by other people and how satisfied are they with their lives. Uganda was ranked last with a GHI score of 20.
A poll carried out by ILGA found attitudes towards LGBT people had significantly changed by 2017: Fifty-nine percent of Ugandans agreed that gay, lesbian and bisexual people should enjoy the same rights as straight people, while 41 percent disagreed. Additionally, 56 percent agreed that they should be protected from workplace discrimination. Fifty-four percent of Ugandans, however, said that people who are in same-sex relationships should be charged as criminals, while 34% disagreed. As for transgender people, 60 percent agreed that they should have the same rights, 62 percent believed they should be protected from employment discrimination and 53 percent believed they should be allowed to change their legal gender. Additionally, according to that same poll, a third of Ugandans would try to "change" a neighbour's sexual orientation if they discovered they were gay.
Summary table
See also
Human rights in Uganda
Intersex rights in Uganda
Notes
Sources
Chapters:
"Introduction: The queer politics of postcoloniality". pp. 1–32
References
Further reading
Statement of Vice President of Integrity Uganda, an Episcopal LGBT rights group. Summary of issues facing LGBT people in Uganda (Archive)
Carolyn Dunn (26 November 2010) "Ugandan media, politicians campaign against homosexuality". CBC News
Commentary on influence of US Religious Right on anti-LGBT sentiment in Africa:
"Anti-Gay Fervor in Uganda Tied to Right-Wing US Evangelicals" – video report by Democracy Now!
Jody May-Chang (8 September 2010) "Exporting Homophobia: American far-right conservative churches establish influence on anti-gay policy in Africa. 'Gay Ugandans face daily fear for their lives'". [Feature] Boise Weekly (Archive)
"US Religious Right Behind Ugandas Anti-Gay Law" (Video Rev. Kapya Kaoma) Political Research. 2 February 2014. (Archive)
"Slouching toward Kampala: History of Uganda's Anti Gay Bill and The American Religious Right Involvement"
LGBT rights in Uganda
Persecution of LGBT people