In a controversial move, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which has been widely criticized by human rights and LGBTQ groups. The legislation, described as one of the harshest in the world, has prompted strong reactions from international partners, including the United States. Despite warnings of potential repercussions, Museveni approved the bill, which had received overwhelming support from Ugandan lawmakers. The revised version of the bill decriminalizes identifying as gay but criminalizes engaging in homosexual acts, punishable by life imprisonment. A provision for “aggravated homosexuality” that could lead to the death penalty for repeat offenders was retained, despite Museveni’s recommendation to remove it. Uganda has not executed capital punishment for many years.
The passage of the law has drawn condemnation from various quarters. The UN Human Rights Office expressed concern, stating that the law is a recipe for human rights violations against LGBT people and the wider population. Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, criticized the discriminatory nature of the legislation, emphasizing its negative impact on human rights in Uganda. While the law enjoys broad public support in Uganda, which has a predominantly Christian population, it has faced international backlash. The European Parliament condemned the bill and urged EU states to pressure Museveni not to implement it, potentially straining relations with Uganda.
The White House also warned of possible economic repercussions if the law took effect, echoing the aid cuts that occurred in 2014 when a similar anti-gay bill was signed into law. The enactment of this legislation is seen as a significant setback for the LGBTQ community in Uganda, which already faces persecution. Civil society reaction within the country has been muted due to the erosion of civic space under Museveni’s authoritarian rule. Critics of the law argue that it could undermine efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in Uganda, as it may deter individuals from seeking necessary healthcare services. The implications of this new law extend beyond human rights concerns, impacting international relations and potentially affecting foreign aid to Uganda.