A section of human rights’ activists in Kampala have petitioned Uganda’s Constitutional Court, seeking to nullify the implementation of the anti-gay law.
The law came into existence on Monday, May 29th, 2023, after it was assented to by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The petitioners, numbering eleven, include veteran journalist and businessman Andrew Muwenda, MP Fox Odoi, former Makerere University lecturer of law Prof. Sylvia Tamale, Dr. Busingye Kabumba, senior Makerere University lecturer of law Salome Nakaweesi, Dr. Frank Mugisha, an LGBTQA advocate and Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, Richard Smith Lusimbo, and Williams Apako, among others.
In their petition, the activists want the court to issue a permanent injunction to block the implementation of the law.
The petitioners claimed the behaviour of Speaker Anita Annet Among during the debate and the passing of the bill amounted to bias contrary to articles 20, 89(1), and (2) of the Constitution, and that once implemented, it will promote a culture of hatred and relate to social misfits.
The United States government has revoked the visa of Speaker of Parliament Anita Among over the passage and subsequent passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Law.
In a bitter reaction, according to the mover of the bill in parliament and Bugiri Municipality MP, Asuman Basaalirwa, the United States government has revoked the visa of the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Anet Among, over the law.
“The Speaker’s visas for America have been cancelled. This is also confirmed by this email from the US Embassy. “Dear Madam Speaker, the United States government has revoked your current visas based on information that came available after your last issuance,” Basaalirwa said while reading an email from the US embassy to Speaker Among.
According to this new law, if you are found guilty of indulging children under the age of 18 in same-sex relationships or other similar activities, you run the risk of receiving the death penalty. Anyone found guilty of the crime of attempted aggravated homosexuality will also face a 14-year prison sentence.
UNAIDS, the Global Fund, and PEPFAR have all condemned the law, claiming that it will have a negative impact on HIV support.
