Country policy and information note: sexual orientation and gender, Uganda, March 2025 (accessible version)
Updated 20 March 2025
© Crown copyright 2025
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uganda-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-sexual-orientation-and-gender-uganda-february-2022-accessible-version
Executive summary
Same-sex consensual sex for men and women is illegal. In May 2023 the Anti-Homosexuality Act was passed which provides for the death penalty for ‘aggravated homosexuality’ and criminalised the ‘promotion of homosexuality’. Same-sex marriage is also illegal. There are no specific laws regulating gender identity. The law allows for intersex people (which it describes as ‘hermaphrodites’) to register a change of sex.
Civil society groups advocating for and providing support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and people of other minority sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBT+) are able to operate but do so in an increasingly restrictive legal and civic space.
LGBT+ people are arrested and detained but convictions and imprisonment under the anti-LGBT+ laws remain uncommon.
Homophobia and transphobia are widespread. LGBT+ people experience discrimination, violence, verbal and sexual harassment, extortion and blackmail by community and family members as well as state actors. LGBT+ people also face discrimination in accessing housing, education, employment, and healthcare.
LGBT+ people form a particular social group.
A LGBT+ person is likely to face persecution.
Protection is not likely to be available.
Internal relocation is not likely to be viable.
Where a claim is refused, it is not likely to be certifiable as ‘clearly unfounded’ under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
Each case must be considered on its facts, with the onus on the person to demonstrate that they are at risk.
Assessment
About the assessment
This section considers the evidence relevant to this note – that is the country information, refugee/human rights laws and policies, and applicable caselaw – and provides an assessment of whether, in general:
- a person faces a real risk of persecution/serious harm by the state and or none state actors because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identify and expression
- the state (or quasi state bodies) can provide effective protection
- internal relocation is possible to avoid persecution/serious harm
- a claim if refused, is likely to be certified as ‘clearly unfounded’ under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
This note provides an assessment of the situation of actual and perceived lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and people of other minority sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBT+). Sources often refer to LGBT+ people collectively, but the experiences of each group may differ. Where information is available, the note will refer to and consider the treatment of each group discretely.
Decision makers must, however, consider all claims on an individual basis, taking into account each case’s specific facts.
1. Material facts, credibility and other checks/referrals
1.1 Credibility
1.1.1 For information on assessing credibility, see the instruction on Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status and the Asylum Instruction on Sexual identity issues in the asylum claim and Gender identity issues in the asylum claim.
1.1.2 Decision makers must also check if there has been a previous application for a UK visa or another form of leave. Asylum applications matched to visas should be investigated prior to the asylum interview (see the Asylum Instruction on Visa Matches, Asylum Claims from UK Visa Applicants).
1.1.3 Decision makers must also consider making an international biometric data-sharing check (see Biometric data-sharing process (Migration 5 biometric data-sharing process)).
1.1.4 In cases where there are doubts surrounding a person’s claimed place of origin, decision makers should also consider language analysis testing, where available (see the Asylum Instruction on Language Analysis).
Official – sensitive: Not for disclosure – Start of section
The information on this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.
The information on this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.
Official – sensitive: not for disclosure – end of section
1.2 Exclusion
1.2.1 Decision makers must consider whether there are serious reasons for considering whether one (or more) of the exclusion clauses is applicable. Each case must be considered on its individual facts.
1.2.2 If the person is excluded from the Refugee Convention, they will also be excluded from a grant of humanitarian protection (which has a wider range of exclusions than refugee status).
1.2.3 For guidance on exclusion and restricted leave, see the Asylum Instruction on Exclusion under Articles 1F and 33(2) of the Refugee Convention Humanitarian Protection and the instruction on Restricted Leave.
Official – sensitive: not for disclosure – start of section
The information on this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.
Official – sensitive: not for disclosure – end of section
2. Convention reason(s)
2.1.1 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and people of other minority sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBT+) form a particular social group (PSG) in Uganda within the meaning of the Refugee Convention.
2.1.2 This is because they share an innate characteristic or a common background that cannot be changed, or share a characteristic or belief that is so fundamental to identity or conscience that a person should not be forced to renounce it and have a distinct identity because the group is perceived as being different by the surrounding society.
2.1.3 Although LGBT+ people form a PSG, establishing such membership is not sufficient to be recognised as a refugee. The question to be addressed is whether the person has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their membership of such a group.
2.1.4 For further guidance on the 5 Refugee Convention grounds, see the Asylum Instruction, Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status.
3. Risk
3.1.1 LGBT+ people are likely to face persecution or serious harm.
3.1.2 Same-sex sexual acts and same-sex marriages are illegal for both men and women. Same-sex sexual acts are proscribed in the Penal Code Act under ‘unnatural offences’ and ‘indecent practices’ and are punishable with up to life imprisonment. In addition, the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (AHA 2023) criminalises same-sex sexual acts, with the death penalty imposed for ‘aggravated homosexuality’, and up to 20 years in prison for the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ (see Legal framework and Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023).
3.1.3 The law does not recognise changes in gender. Trans and gender diverse people have been indirectly criminalised under the offences of ‘personation’ (false representation), public indecency and the criminalisation of consensual same-sex sexual acts. The law allows for intersex people (which it describes as ‘hermaphrodites’) to register a change of sex (see Legal framework).
3.1.4 LGBT+ people are arrested and sometimes prosecuted under the anti-LGBT+ laws but convictions and imprisonment are uncommon. LGBT+ people are also arrested and detained under other laws in the penal code although often no charges are made. Exact numbers of cases are limited amongst the sources consulted. The US State Department (USSD) observed that NGOs reported ‘numerous’ arrests of LGBT+ people but did not cite the source of this data. The NGO Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) documented 103 cases and 168 persons who were arrested because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity between June 2023 and December 2024. While another NGO, the Strategic Response Team (SRT), documented 69 arrests of 89 LGBT+ people between September 2023 and May 2024, 47 of these were under the AHA 2023. Neither HRAPF or SRT indicated what the eventual outcomes were of these arrests (see Legal framework and State treatment).
3.1.5 State officials, religious leaders and elements in the media used homophobic rhetoric which reinforced anti-gay sentiment (see Government officials, Media, Political leaders, Anti-LGBT+ actors use of social media and Religious leaders).
3.1.6 Societal homophobia and transphobia remain widespread and societal stigma pervasive. The 2021/22 Afrobarometer survey found that 94% of Ugandans would ‘somewhat dislike’ or ‘strongly dislike’ having a ‘homosexual’ neighbour; 97% said homosexuality was incompatible with their culture and religious norms and should remain illegal and 94% to 95% would report a family member, close friend, or co-worker to the police if they were involved in a same-sex relationship (see Societal attitudes).
3.1.7 There have been significant violations of LGBT+ rights, with a spike after the AHA was adopted in May 2023. The USSD noted that human rights activists refer to ‘numerous’ incidents of violence and harassment of LGBT+ people. The Ugandan NGO the Strategic Research Team reported 1,031 cases of human rights violations, which included 1,043 LGBT+ people who suffered 1,253 human rights violations and 1,228 perpetrators (state and non-state) between September 2023 and May 2024. The violations include forced evictions, violent attacks and threats of violence, outing, denial of services and family rejection. HRAPF documented 716 cases between June 2023 and October 2024 affecting a total of 912 LGBT+ persons targeted because of their sexuality. The UN’s High Commission for Human Rights noted in April 2024 that around 600 people were reportedly subject to human violations based on sexuality or gender identity since May 2023. Other sources also report LGBT+ people facing various violations including physical attacks, mob attacks, forced evictions, involuntary conversion therapies, corrective rape, forced marriages, doxing (making public identifiable information about a person, usually on the internet), outing and blackmail. Non-state actors were the main perpetrators, but state actors have also subjected people to abuse (see General treatment of LGBT+ people and Societal treatment).
3.1.8 LGBT+ people face widespread discrimination in accessing services such as housing, education, employment, and healthcare (see Access to services).
3.1.9 Although there are LGBT+ NGOs which provide assistance, they experience obstacles in advocating for and supporting LGBT+ people. These include attacks on premises and staff, police raids, harassment, evictions, and refusal of registration. NGO activities on behalf of the LGBT+ community are also criminalised under the AHA 2023 as ‘promotion of homosexuality’ (see Shelters and LGBT+ organisations).
3.1.10 In the country guidance case of JM (homosexuality: risk) Uganda CG [2008] UKIAT 00065, heard on 30 November 2007 and promulgated on 11 June 2008, the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) held that:
‘(1) Although there is legislation … which criminalises homosexual behaviour there is little, if any, objective evidence that such is in fact enforced.
‘(2) Although the President and government officials have made verbal attacks upon the lifestyle of homosexuals and have expressed disapproval of homosexuality in the strongest terms, the evidence falls well short of establishing that such statements have been acted upon or would be provoked or should provoke in themselves any physical hostility towards homosexuals in Uganda.
‘(3) Although a number of articles have been published, in particular the Red Pepper article identifying areas where the gay and lesbian community meet and indeed identifying a number by name, the evidence falls very short of establishing that such articles have led to adverse actions from either the authorities or non-state actors and others in the form, for example, of raids or persons arrested or intimidation.
‘(4) Although it is right to note a prevailing traditional and cultural disapproval of homosexuality, there is nothing to indicate that such has manifested itself in any overt or persecutory action. Indeed, there was evidence placed before us that a substantial number of people favour a more liberal approach to homosexuality.
‘(5) A number of support organisations exist for the gay and lesbian community and their views have been publicly announced in recent months. There is no indication of any repressive action being taken against such groups or against the individuals who made the more public pronouncements.
‘In general, therefore, the evidence does not establish that there is persecution of homosexuality in Uganda.’ (paragraphs 170 and 171)
3.1.11 However, as set out above, the available evidence indicates the situation for gay men and LGBT+ people generally is significantly worse than described in the evidence before the Tribunal in JM (which also predates the Supreme Court’s judgement in HJ Iran and HT Cameroon, given on 7 July 2010, establishing the correct approach for considering claims based on sexual orientation). There are therefore very strong grounds supported by cogent evidence to depart from the existing caselaw.
3.1.12 If a LGBT+ person is not ‘out’ about (or conceals) their sexual orientation and/or gender identity consider why. If it is because they fear persecution or serious harm and this is well-founded, they are likely to require asylum.
3.1.13 For further guidance on assessing risk, see the Asylum Instructions on Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status and the Sexual identity issues in the asylum claim and Gender identity issues in the asylum claim.
4. Protection
4.1.1 Where the person has a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm from the state, they are unlikely to be able to obtain protection.
4.1.2 A person who has a well-founded fear of persecution or serious harm from a rogue state and/or a non-state actor is unlikely to obtain effective protection because the state is able but not willing to do so given that same-sex sexual acts are criminalised (see State protection).
4.1.3 LGBT+ people distrust law enforcement officials and often do not seek assistance for fear of arrest or reprisal, and when victims do report assaults the police are reported not to act (see State protection).
4.1.4 For further guidance on assessing state protection, see the Asylum Instructions on Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status and the Sexual identity issues in the asylum claim and Gender identity issues in the asylum claim.
5. Internal relocation
5.1.1 Internal relocation is unlikely to be viable.
5.1.2 The state exercises control throughout the country and societal homophobia and transphobia, manifest in acts of violence and discrimination against LGBT+ people, are widespread (see General treatment of LGBT+ people, State treatment, Societal attitudes, Societal treatment and Protection).
5.1.3 For further guidance on internal relocation and factors to be taken into account see the Asylum Instructions on Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status Assessing Credibility and Refugee Status and the Sexual identity issues in the asylum claim and Gender identity issues in the asylum claim.
6. Certification
6.1.1 Where a claim is refused, it is unlikely to be certifiable as ‘clearly unfounded’ under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.
6.1.2 For further guidance on certification, see Certification of Protection and Human Rights claims under section 94 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 (clearly unfounded claims).
Country information
About the country information
This section contains publicly available or disclosable country of origin information (COI) which has been gathered, collated and analysed in line with the research methodology. It provides the evidence base for the assessment.
The structure and content follow a terms of reference which sets out the general and specific topics relevant to the scope of this note.
This document is intended to be comprehensive but not exhaustive. If a particular event, person or organisation is not mentioned this does not mean that the event did or did not take place or that the person or organisation does or does not exist.
The COI included was published or made publicly available on or before 31 January 2025. Any event taking place or report published after this date will not be included.
Decision makers must use relevant COI as the evidential basis for decisions.
7. Demography
7.1.1 The World Bank estimated that as of 2023 Uganda had a population of around 48.5 million [footnote 1].
7.1.2 The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), which collects, analyses, and publishes statistical information [footnote 2], preliminary results of the national population and housing census conducted in May 2024 put the population of Uganda at 45.9 million[footnote 3].
7.1.3 There is no information in the sources consulted on the size of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) population in Uganda (see Bibliography).
7.1.4 Ingham and others January 2025 noted ‘Uganda’s religious heritage is tripartite: indigenous religions, Islam, and Christianity. About four-fifths of the population is Christian, primarily divided between Roman Catholics and Protestants (mostly Anglicans but also including Pentecostals, Seventh-day Adventists, Baptists, and Presbyterians). About one-eighth of the population is Muslim. Most of the remainder practice traditional religions …’[footnote 4]
8. Legal framework
8.1 Constitution and penal code
8.1.1 The US Department of State (USSD) in their 2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices (USSD 2023 human rights report) noted: ‘The law prohibited discrimination based on sex, among other categories, but did not explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics … The law did not recognize LGBTQI+ individuals, couples, or their families … The law did not address so-called corrective rape of LGBTQI+ persons.’[footnote 5]
8.1.2 The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), an international organisation campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex human rights[footnote 6] (ILGA database no date report) noted with respect to Uganda : ‘The Constitution of Uganda does not explicitly include “sexual orientation”, “gender identity”, “gender expression” or “sex characteristics” as protected grounds of discrimination. To the best of ILGA World’s knowledge, laws in force in Uganda do not offer protection against discrimination based on “sexual orientation”, “gender identity”, “gender expression” or “sex characteristics” in the provision of goods and services.’[footnote 7]
8.1.3 The penal code has provisions effect criminalise same-sex sexual relationships
- section 145 on ’unnatural offences’ states: ‘Any person who - (a) has carnal knowledge of any person against the order of nature; (b) has carnal knowledge of an animal; or (c) permits a male person to have carnal knowledge of him or her against the order of nature, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for life.
- section 146 states: ‘Any person who attempts to commit any of the offences specified in section 145 commits a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.
- section 148 on ‘indecent practices’ states: ‘Any person who, whether in public or in private, commits any act of gross indecency with another person or procures another person to commit any act of gross indecency with him or her or attempts to procure the commission of any such act by any person with himself or herself or with another person, whether in public or in private, commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.’[footnote 8]
8.1.4 On 23 October 2024 Amnesty International (AI), an international human rights organisation, published a report which documented the impact of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TfGBV) on LGBT+ people’s and organisations’ digital presence and behaviour. The report is based review of social media posts, academic literature, reports by civil society organizations and United Nations agencies and mechanisms as well as 64 interviews conducted in Uganda between June 2023 and February 2024 with LGBT+ individuals, and organisations, human rights defenders and other civil society organisations working on gender and sexuality, technology, and human rights[footnote 9] (AI October 2024 report). The report observed:
‘Section 148 criminalizes “indecent practices” which constitute “gross indecency”, without specifying what “gross indecency” entails and thereby allowing for very broad interpretations. The Amendment to the Section introduced in 2000, to include “any persons” within its purview allows acts between women to be criminalized as well.
‘Besides the provisions directly criminalizing consensual same sex relations, other provisions of the Penal Code Act are used to prosecute [lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer/questioning] LGBTQ persons, encompassing a wide range of actions and behaviours. These include provisions on public nuisance (Section 160), being idle and disorderly (Section 167) and being rogue and vagabond (Section 168).
‘Even though there are no direct laws criminalizing transgender and gender diverse people, criminalization of consensual same-sex sexual conduct, sex work, impersonation, public indecency, and public order provisions have been used to subject transgender and gender diverse people to police harassment, arrest, and detention.’[footnote 10]
8.1.5 Article 31 (2a) of the constitution amended 5 January 2018 states: ‘Marriage between persons of the same sex is prohibited.’[footnote 11]
8.2 Gender recognition
8.2.1 The undated ILGA database noted that a person can change their name:
‘Article 36 of the Registration of Persons Act (2015) allows adults to change their name through a deed poll. Applicants are required to publish their intention to change their names in the Official Gazette at least one week before they approach a registry office with the necessary forms. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this law is not trans-specific. While the law technically places no limitations on who can apply, trans and gender-diverse people are at greater risk of targeting by authorities under the oppressive laws currently in force.’[footnote 12]
8.2.2 The same source observed: ‘There is no specific law in Uganda permitting legal gender recognition, though Article 38 of the Registration of Persons Act (2015) provides for “a child born a hermaphrodite” [sic]’ who “through an operation, changes from a female to a male or from a male to a female and the change is certified by a medical doctor” to be given a new gender marker.’[footnote 13]
8.2.3 The USSD 2022 human rights report noted:
‘Legal gender recognition was not available, and the law did not provide the option of identifying as “nonbinary/intersex/gender nonconforming.” Transgender persons could officially change their names, but the law did not provide an option for changing gender markers on official documents.
‘The country did not permit individuals to change their gender identity marker on legal and identifying documents to bring them into alignment with their gender identity. The law also did not provide the option of identifying as “non-binary/intersex/gender non-conforming.” Human rights activists reported that transgender persons could officially change their names, but government officials blocked them from changing their gender marker on official documents. One individual, however, Cleopatra Kambugu, legally changed her gender identity marker to female in 2021.’[footnote 14]
9. Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 (AHA)
9.1 Offences and penalties
9.1.1 A November 2023 report by ILGA (ILGA November 2023 report) noted:
‘On 26 May 2023, the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023) was signed into law … Section 2 of the Act criminalises any person who “performs a sexual act or allows a person of the same sex to perform a sexual act on him or her” and imposes a penalty of life imprisonment for such acts and 10 years’ imprisonment for any attempt to commit such acts.
‘Moreover, Section 3 prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” in cases where the individual convicted is a “serial offender” (which includes anyone with a prior conviction for engaging in same-sex sexual acts between consenting adults). Additionally, the death penalty is also mandated when “the person against whom the offense is committed contracts a terminal illness” [this was repealed by the constitutional court in April 2024]. According to the Act’s definitions, this provision could be applied to impose capital punishment if one of the individuals involved contracts HIV as a result of the sexual act. Furthermore, the death penalty could potentially be applied when one of the adults involved is a person with a disability [this was repealed by the constitutional court in April 2024] , or is elderly, regardless of their ability to consent.
‘Minors face three years’ imprisonment if convicted of homosexuality under Section 4 of the law. [footnote 15]
9.1.2 The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office travel advice for British Citizens travelling to Uganda, updated 6 February 2025, noted:
‘In May 2023, Uganda brought in the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. This act introduces harsh prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same-sex sexual activity. There are also severe penalties for promoting LGBT+ rights.
‘Sexual activity with someone of the same sex carries the punishment of life imprisonment.
‘Offences classed as “aggravated homosexuality” carry a sentence up to the death penalty. “Aggravated homosexuality” is defined as sexual activity with someone of the same sex who is:
- a person aged 17 or under
- a person aged 75 or above
- a relative or someone under your care
- disabled or suffering from mental health issues
- a person who is unconscious or under the influence of medicine or other substances that impair their judgement
- under duress or misrepresentation
- threatened or intimidated
‘A person who has a previous conviction of homosexuality or related offences can be charged with aggravated homosexuality for subsequent offences.
‘Promoting or supporting homosexuality carries up to a 20-year prison sentence. This includes, but is not limited to:
- encouraging or persuading someone to perform a same-sex sexual act or anything that is an offence under the act
- publishing, printing, broadcasting by any means, information that promotes or encourages homosexuality
- providing financial or other support that encourages homosexuality or the normalisation of acts prohibited by the act
‘Some of the language in the law is vague and open to interpretation, and it remains unclear how this law will be implemented. The law could affect those who are exercising their freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association to show support for LGBT+ people and rights.’[footnote 16]
9.2 Legal challenges against the AHA
9.2.1 On 18 December 2023 the BBC reported that rights groups were challenging the AHA, 2023 in Ugandan courts. According to the report, the rights groups had urged judges to strike down the law, claiming it infringed on the rights to equality and dignity. Meanwhile, the government defended the law in the Constitutional Court, arguing that it upholds traditional family values[footnote 17].
9.2.2 A 3 April 2024 Ugandan Judiciary news release stated:
‘The Constitutional Court has today delivered its decision … and declared that the Anti Homosexuality Act of 2023 complies with the Constitution of Uganda except in only four aspects …
‘The Constitutional Court of Uganda has nullified Sections 3(2)(c), 9, 11(2)(d) and 14 of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 for contravening the Constitution of Uganda, 1995 … The nullified Sections had criminalised the letting of premises for use for homosexual purposes, the failure by anyone to report acts of homosexuality to the Police for appropriate action, and the engagement in acts of homosexuality by anyone which results into the other persons contracting a terminal illness.’[footnote 18]
9.2.3 The Human Dignity Trust, a UK-based organisation working globally to use strategic litigation to defend the human rights of LGBT people[footnote 19], noted in its Uganda profile page updated on 4 December 2024:
‘On 3 April [2024], the Ugandan Constitutional Court dismissed a legal case challenging the constitutionality of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (AHA). In a unanimous decision, the Court upheld the constitutionality of all but 4 provisions of the AHA, and held that the individual rights to self-determination, self-perception and autonomy had to be balanced against the “societal right to social, political and cultural self-determination.” The Court found that the “uniqueness” of Uganda’s Constitution required the Court to consider Uganda’s socio-cultural norms in any constitutional challenge …
‘The provisions that the Court struck down as unconstitutional included the “duty to report” suspected acts of homosexuality to the police and allowing the use of premises for any offence under the AHA. The Court also struck down a provision that imposed the death sentence for transmission of HIV, which was found to violate Ugandan’s right to health.’[footnote 20]
9.2.4 The table below provides a summary of main offences and penalties under the AHA, 2023[footnote 21] following the Constitutional court judgement of 2 April 2024:
| Section | Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Act of homosexuality | Life imprisonment |
| 2 | Attempted homosexuality | Up to 10 years imprisonment |
| 3 | Aggravated homosexuality | Death penalty |
| 3 | Attempted aggravated homosexuality | Up to 14 years imprisonment |
| 4 | Child convicted of homosexuality or aggravated homosexuality | Up to 3 years imprisonment |
| 8 | Child grooming | Life or up to 20 years |
| 9 | Knowingly allow premises to be used for homosexuality | Annulled |
| 10 | Prohibition of marriage between persons of same sex | Up to 10 years imprisonment |
| 11 | Promotion of homosexuality (individual) | up to 20 years imprisonment |
| 11 | Promotion of homosexuality (legal entity) | Up to fifty thousand currency points [One currency point is equivalent to 20,000 shillings); or suspension of license for 10 years; or cancellation license |
| 13 | Failure to disclose of conviction sexual offence under AHA to child care employer | Up to 2 years and termination of employment |
| 14 | Duty to report acts of homosexuality | Annulled |
| 15 | False sexual allegations | Up to one year imprisonment |
10. State and societal attitudes
10.1 Government officials
10.1.1 In 2023, GATE, an international advocacy organisation working towards justice and equality for trans, gender diverse and intersex communities[footnote 22], published a report, ‘Impact of anti-gender opposition on the trans and gender diverse (TGD) and LGBTQI movements’. The survey was conducted online and was open to participants from 26 July 2022 to 1 November 2022, with the questions covering respondents’ experiences over the previous 12 months. The data in the report covers the period from July 2021 to July 2022 (GATE 2023 report). With respect to Uganda 3 valid responses were received from ‘respondents affiliated with unregistered collectives that work with TGD communities.’ The report noted:
‘Respondents report that some [anti-gender] AG actors in Uganda are in government (MPs and ministers), that AG actors have coordinated communication with each other, and that the government rarely investigates alleged crimes committed by these actors. Moreover, respondents claim that the government financially supports AG actors. 1 Respondent states that the government is the main AG actor in the country. AG actors target cis women, migrants, religious minorities, LGBTQI, TGD, and intersex communities, and use sex education, “family values”, and “western ideas” as their main discursive topics to spread and gain support for their agenda. Respondents report that AG groups are growing in terms of the number of people supporting them on social media, and more people are participating in their events and providing them with more funding, political power, and connections, thereby increasing their ability to impact policies.’[footnote 23]
10.1.2 On 9 October 2022, the Uganda Radio Network (URN), an independent news agency that supplies news articles and programs to over 80 radio stations and other media platforms in Uganda[footnote 24], reported President Yoweri Museveni stating at the 24th annual national prayer breakfast which brings together political, religious, and other leaders from the continent:
‘“The preacher from Holland told you about respecting our heritage, the positive points in our heritage. We have been having pressures from some of these groups, who say that there are two ways of life … there is the normal way and the parallel way of the homosexuals and so on … but this is not our interpretation.”
‘He explained that such things are a deviation from normal and that this perception cannot be changed by any pressure from outside Africa …
‘He wondered why acts of homosexuality are publicized and commended the keynote speaker, Prof. Christiaan Alting, the President of the International Theological Institute for encouraging Africans to resist any pressure from Western countries that is against the culture.’[footnote 25]
10.1.3 On 1 February 2023, Geofrey Kabyanga, the Minister of State for Information Communication Technology and National Guidance said during a TV debate about LGBTQ rights: ‘“It [homosexuality] is not something we should see emerging and we just keep quiet … We should start fighting it as fast as possible. It is a bad habit that is coming up which we must stop as early as possible. It is a big problem in schools. Therefore, we shouldn’t keep quiet about it.”’[footnote 26]
10.1.4 On 16 March 2023, Voice of America (VOA), part of the US Agency for Global Media providing news and information[footnote 27] reported that President Yoweri Museveni described gay people as “deviants” and called for an investigation into homosexuality during a state of the nation address before lawmakers. President Museveni is quoted saying: ‘“The homosexuals are deviations from normal. Why? Is it by nature or nurture. We need to answer these questions … We need a medical opinion on that. We shall discuss it thoroughly … Western countries should stop wasting the time of humanity by trying to impose their practices on other people”…’[footnote 28]
10.1.5 On 3 April 2023, The Guardian (UK) reported:
‘The Ugandan president, Yoweri Museveni, has called on African leaders to reject “the promotion of homosexuality”…
‘Speaking on Sunday, Museveni said homosexuality was “a big threat and danger to the procreation of human race [sic]”.
‘He said: “Africa should provide the lead to save the world from this degeneration and decadence, which is really very dangerous for humanity. If people of [the] opposite sex stop appreciating one another then how will the human race be propagated?”
‘His comments followed a two-day inter-parliamentary conference held at State House in Entebbe on “family values and sovereignty”, attended by MPs and delegates from 22 African countries …
‘Museveni praised Ugandan MPs for passing the anti-gay bill [of 2023] and vowed “never to allow the promotion and publicisation of homosexuality in Uganda, stressing that it will never be tolerated”.’[footnote 29]
10.1.6 On 1 June 2023 Reuters reported:
‘Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has defended signing one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ laws … saying it was needed to prevent LGBTQ community members he said were “disoriented” from “recruiting” others …
‘”The signing is finished, nobody will move us,” Mr Museveni said during a meeting with lawmakers …
‘Mr Museveni told his party’s lawmakers that before signing the law he had consulted widely to try to determine whether homosexuality was genetic and had been persuaded by experts that it was not, describing it instead as “psychological disorientation”.
‘”The problem is that, yes, you are disoriented. You have got a problem to yourself. Now, don’t try to recruit others. If you try to recruit people into a disorientation, then we go for you. We punish you,” he said.
‘”But secondly, if you violently grab some children and you rape them and so on and so forth, we kill you. And that one I totally support, and I will support.”’[footnote 30]
10.1.7 The AI October 2024 report noted:
‘In the Ugandan context, misinformation and disinformation campaigns often portray LGBTQ people as being influenced by a Western imperial agenda, as “un-African”, as incompatible with Christianity and Islam, as “a threat to Ugandan culture and society”, and as “sexual predators”, particularly interested in recruiting children into their sexual practices. The use of the latter, in particular, has been a harmful stereotype used to create moral panic, and significantly sway the Ugandan public, leading to severe harassment, violence and discrimination against LGBTQ persons. Public officials have also engaged in spreading disinformation targeting LGBTQ people. A case in point is Thomas Tayebwa, the Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, whose tweet conflating homosexuality with child abuse.’[footnote 31]
10.2 Politicians
10.2.1 On 1 November 2022, The Independent (Uganda), a privately owned weekly newspaper[footnote 32], reported:
‘Uganda’s delegation to the joint parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation of the African, Caribean, and Pacific States and the European Union led by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, has stated that it will oppose plans to make them adopt and adapt to homosexuality.
Tayebwa said Uganda is deeply concerned over coercive and persistent calls to the African, Caribbean, and Pacific – ACP States by the EU, and partners to adopt homosexuality.
‘Tayebwa says that Uganda demands a broad definition of the issue of human rights because the Post-Cotonou agreement has hidden clauses around human rights, especially those relating to sexuality, the promotion of homosexuality, and abortion. He explains that such practices are un-African in nature.’[footnote 33]
10.2.2 In a January 2023 post on X Thomas Tayebwa said: ‘I am getting painful stories about homosexuality and many people are dying in silence. It seems our schools have been infiltrated and recruitment centres are open. It’s extremely sad. Our children have been grabbed and sodomised. We must tackle this issue head on without fear.’[footnote 34] On 1 February 2023, MP Ojara Mapenduzi , an opposition leaning independent MP, stated during a TV debate about LGBTI rights that ‘[homosexuality] is an attack on our norms, principles and practices.’[footnote 35]
10.2.3 On 6 March 2023, Parliament Watch, which monitors and reports on the work of the Uganda parliament[footnote 36], MP Asuman Basalirwa when moving a Private Member’s Bill titled the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, that seeks to prohibit same-sex relationships described homosexuality as ‘a cancer eating up the world’ and that ‘Homosexuality is a human wrong that needs to be tackled through a piece of legislation.’[footnote 37] Basalirwa told parliament, ‘… there is a need to improve the Penal Code Act, which he argued was enacted by British colonialists to prohibit recruitment, promotion, and funding of same-sex practices because the vice threatens the continuity of the family, the safety of children, and the continuation of humanity through reproduction.’[footnote 38]
10.2.4 Parliament Watch also noted that ‘Sarah Opendi, the Tororo District Woman MP seconded the motion and called upon the enforcement bodies such as the Police and NGO Bureau to ensure that homosexuality is not promoted. According to the same report, Anita Among the House Speaker ‘warned legislators against accepting bribes from the promoters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer (LGBTIQ+) agenda with a view of frustrating the Bill, noting that the House will vote physically on the matter to expose those who are against the country’s anti-homosexuality position. ‘“It’s our children who are suffering because of homosexuality. Time for lamenting is over. The western world says they are assisting us; we don’t want their assistance if they are going to destroy our morals and cultural beliefs,” Among said.’[footnote 39]
10.2.5 On 8 May 2023 Mamba online, a South African website which reports on LGBTI-related news[footnote 40], stated:
‘… MPs in Uganda have demanded that a tax be imposed on adult diapers because they believe that they are primarily used by gay men. They also argued that not doing so would be “promoting homosexuality” …
‘The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2023 recommended taxing children’s diapers but exempting adult diapers. The Finance Committee opposed the taxation on adult diapers on the basis that they are used by elderly individuals and adults with medical conditions.
‘Some MPs, however, argued that all diapers should be taxed as the tax exemption would benefit members of the LGBTIQ+ community …
‘“We just passed the [Anti-]Homosexuality Bill here, and you know for a fact that the biggest number of people who use diapers for adults are actually homosexual people,” MP Aisha Kabanda reportedly said. “So, when you say diapers for adults, you are going to benefit, to a big extent, the homosexuals.”
‘MP Agnes Kirabo agreed, telling her colleagues that “These adult diapers could be a result of homosexuals. If we do not tax them, we are going to be promoting homosexuality.”
‘The legislators ultimately approved the bill’s tax on all diapers, rejecting the proposal to exempt adult diapers.’[footnote 41]
10.2.6 On 4 January 2024, the Independent (UK) reported:
‘A well-known gay rights activist in Uganda who was stabbed by unknown assailants this week attributed the attack to what he described … as a growing intolerance of the LGBTQ+ community fueled by politicians.
‘The climate of intolerance is being exacerbated by “politicians who are using the LGBTQ+ community as a scapegoat to move people away from what is really happening in the country,” Steven Kabuye said in an interview from a hospital bed on the outskirts of Kampala … Kabuye is the executive director of the advocacy group Colored Voice Truth to LGBTQ …’[footnote 42]
10.3 Religious leaders
10.3.1 On 29 March 2022, Erasing Crimes 76, a news site that focuses on information relating anti-LGBTI laws and attempts to repeal them[footnote 43], reported:
‘Human rights activists in Uganda have launched a new campaign to end religious inspired homophobia …
‘Faith and church leaders are some of the most influential people in social, economic, political, and moral debates that shape society’s perceptions of LGBT people and communities.
‘… the political alignment of anti-LGBT faith leaders has resulted in the passage of laws that criminalise the existence of LGBT people, thus escalating violent attacks, homelessness, and unemployment.
‘Anti-LGBTI religious messages are amplified through radio, television and social media (Internet). Religious leaders and institutions play a large role in Uganda’s media, including religiously affiliated TV stations.’[footnote 44]
10.3.2 On 16 February 2023, the Daily Monitor, an independent Ugandan daily newspaper[footnote 45], reported:
‘The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) [an indigenous, national faith-based organization uniting efforts of religious institutions to jointly address issues of common concern[footnote 46] has vowed to do everything possible to have the anti-same-sex Bill returned to Parliament, as one of the measures to tackle the spread of homosexuality, especially in schools.
‘Addressing a joint media briefing at the offices in Kampala yesterday, the clerics said the lack of a stringent enabling law to tackle the vice is currently fuelling the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex, Queer and others (LGBTIQ)+) movements in the country, adding its high time they are stopped.
‘“Parliament had passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill which the president accented [sic] to and became law in 2014, but some people went to court and nullified it. But it (law) is still our stand and as religious leaders, we urge government and his excellence the president that if it means bringing it back that law, we are in support because that law will bury the LGBTQ practice in Uganda” the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje said.
‘He added: “We also call upon the legislature to join hands so that this law is passed to protect Ugandans from this vice.”’[footnote 47]
10.3.3 On 23 February 2023 the Daily Monitor reported that several religious leaders across multiple dioceses condemned homosexuality as a global threat targeting the younger generation, as well as a sin, evil and against God’s design for procreation[footnote 48]. In a 30 March 2023 report the Daily Monitor stated: ‘The Catholic Church in Kampala has condemned homosexuality as sinful and must be fought by all followers … “We shouldn’t condone what the church takes as evil, so homosexual tendencies and acts according to the teachings of the Catholic Church are sinful and Jesus came to fight sin. So if we are fighting immorality that’s fine, but you should know that Jesus came to fight sin but did not fight a sinner,” Archbishop Ssemogerere said.’[footnote 49]
10.3.4 A March 2023 analysis of Uganda’s anti-gay bill by Kristof Titeca, an associate professor at the Institute of Development Policy, University of Antwerp, published by Africa Arguments, a pan-African platform for news, investigation and opinion[footnote 50] noted:
‘The religious communities became involved in the issue [in supporting the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of March 2023], and strongly amplified widespread anxieties … An important trigger was the 10 February announcement by the Ugandan Anglican Archbishop, Stephen Kaziimba, declaring his intention to break links with the Church of England. This followed the latter’s decision to allow priests to bless same-sex marriages and civil partnerships with Uganda’s archbishop stating that the “church is under attack” …
‘On 15 February 2023, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) issued a statement, expressing concern about the increasing promotion of the LGBTI agenda in the country, and asking for a new and stringent law to address this. Addressing President Museveni directly, Archbishop Kaziimba implored “that the [Anti-Homosexuality Act] you signed previously against homosexuality should be revisited and signed again” …
‘Soon after, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council called on all Muslims to hold peaceful demonstrations after the Friday sermon to express their disagreement with homosexuality, a vice which has “reared its ugly head targeting, especially young people”. The demonstrations were cancelled at the last minute, but still went ahead in some locations …
‘Popular singer, Jose Chameleon was forced to apologise for having embraced and kissed (on the cheek, that is) his brother - fellow singer Weasel - at a recent concert. It led to an uproar on social media after influential pastor Martin Ssempa demanded that Chameleon apologize, finding the kissing morally offensive, and asking the police to investigate.’[footnote 51]
10.3.5 On 30 May 2023, Africa Press, a pan African news platform, reported:
‘Leaders of Uganda’s biggest religious denominations yesterday chorused support for President Museveni’s decision to sign the Anti-Homosexuality Act into law, saying it will safeguard indigenous cultures, morals and children.
‘“We are grateful the President has signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 … The LGBTQI-affirming countries have shown us the negative consequences. We thank the President for not surrendering to their threats and for protecting Uganda from their paths of self-destruction,” Church of Uganda Archbishop Samuel Kaziimba noted in a statement.
‘Rev Fr Dr Pius Male, the chancellor of Kampala (Catholic) Archdiocese, told this newspaper by telephone last evening that the biblical teachings against homosexuality are clear and should not be compromised.
“Thanks that he (Museveni) has done it [signed the Act into law],” he said.
‘The Deputy Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, while welcoming the presidential assent said “of course, we are not segregating others, but we are doing it in the interest of guarding our traditional values and morals” …
‘Archbishop Kaziimba said homosexuality is a challenge in Uganda because it is being imposed on the country by outsiders and “against our culture and our religious beliefs” under the guise of human rights.’[footnote 52]
10.4 Social attitudes
10.4.1 Freedom House, a US-based non-government organisation that monitors freedom and democracy across the world, in their Freedom in the World 2024 report covering events in 2023 (FH 2023 report) noted: ‘LGBT+ people face overt hostility from the government and society.’[footnote 53] USSD 2023 human rights report observed: ‘LGBTQI+ activists reported LGBTQI+ persons endured intense social pressure to change their sexual orientation.’[footnote 54]
10.4.2 On 2 February 2023, Daily Monitor, reported:
‘Ugandan authorities announced the removal of a rainbow painting from a children’s park following an uproar by parents who alleged that the “satanic” design promoted homosexuality in the largely Christian country. A local organisation had painted one of the park towers in Entebbe in rainbow colours as part of an effort to refurbish the site …
‘Emmanuel Mugabe from the national Parents Association of Uganda told this reporter that the tower’s rainbow colours were “satanic” and signalled an “invasion of homosexuality though manipulation of children’s minds”.’[footnote 55]
10.4.3 Equaldex, ‘a collaborative knowledge base for the LGBTQ+ … movement … Data is contributed, maintained, and community-verified by thousands of volunteer editors, with the help of reports from the general public’[footnote 56], reported on a Gallup poll conducted on 21 June 2023 which asked people in 123 countries including Uganda: ‘“Is the city or area where you live a good place or not a good place to live for gay or lesbian people?” 35% of the people in Uganda said it’s a good place. According to Equaldex, Gallup’s publicly available version of this poll did not include the per-country results of the “not a good place” answers.’[footnote 57].
10.4.4 Afrobarometer, a non-partisan, pan-African research network, which conducts public attitude surveys on democracy, governance, the economy, and society[footnote 58] published a report about Ugandan’s attitudes towards same sex relations in May 2023 based on a survey of 2,400 randomly selected adult Ugandans between 7 and 25 January 2022 (Afrobarometer May 2023 report)[footnote 59]. The survey assessed citizens’ levels of tolerance defined ‘as the ability or willingness to accept the existence of opinions, beliefs, or behaviours that one dislikes or disagrees with by asking them whether they would like it, dislike it, or not care if they had people from various groups as neighbours’[footnote 60]. The report noted:
‘… [M]ore than nine out of 10 (94%) [of Ugandans] say they would “somewhat dislike” or “strongly dislike” having a homosexual neighbour. These views have not changed significantly over the past seven years …
‘Ugandan adults of all ages and education levels overwhelmingly continue to express intolerance for same-sex, relationships, think they should be illegal, and are willing to report their own family member or close friend to the police if they engage in homosexual activity. Their level of intolerance for sexual difference is the highest among 37 African countries surveyed in 2021/2022.’[footnote 61]
10.4.5 The below chart by Afrobarometer shows levels of tolerance for people in same-sex relationships in Uganda from 2015 to 2022[footnote 62]. It shows that tolerance during this period averaged at 5% with lowest being in 2017 at 3 % and highest in 2019 at 8%.
Figure 3: Social tolerance: Uganda 2015-2022
| 2015 | 2017 | 2019 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Different religion | 95% | 95% | 94% | 93% |
| Different ethnicity | 93% | 90% | 88% | 85% |
| Immigrants | 78% | 76% | 82% | 74% |
| Homosexuals | 5% | 3% | 8% | 5% |
Respondents were asked: For each group of the following types of people, please tell me whether you would like having some people from this group as neighbours, dislike it, or not care. (% who say “strongly like”, “somewhat like” or “would not care”)
10.4.6 Afrobarometer produced the charts below showing intolerance for people in same-sex-relationships by demographic group. It shows that all demographic groups displayed high levels of intolerance that ranged from 92% to 97%, with the national average being 95%:
Figure 2: Intolerance for people in same-sex relationships by demographic group: Uganda 2022
| Demographic | % |
|---|---|
| Uganda | 95% |
| Northern | 97% |
| Eastern | 96% |
| Central | 95% |
| Kampala | 94% |
| Western | 92% |
| 18-30 years | 94% |
| 31-49 years | 95% |
| 50+ years | 95% |
| Christian | 95% |
| Muslim | 93% |
| Post-secondary | 95% |
| Secondary | 94% |
| Primary | 95% |
| No formal education | 94% |
| Women | 96% |
| Men | 93% |
| Rural | 95% |
| Urban | 94% |
Respondents were asked: For each of the following types of people, please tell me whether you would like having people from this group as neighbours, dislike it, or not care: Homosexuals? (% who say “somewhat dislike” or “strongly dislike”)
10.4.7 The Afrobarometer online data analysis tool (ODA) contains data sets from 39 African countries since 2019. The data set is searchable by country, survey round and survey question[footnote 64]. In the Round 10 Survey conducted in November 2024 in Uganda 2,700 adults were asked: ‘For each of the following types of people, please tell me whether you would like having people from this group as neighbours, dislike it, or not care: Homosexuals?’[footnote 65] The graph below has been created using the Afrobarometer data, which shows that intolerance towards people in same sex relationship in 2024 was the same as in 2022.
Intolerance for people in same sex relationships by demographic group
| Demographic group | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Rural | 96% |
| Urban | 95% |
| Men | 95% |
| Women | 95% |
| No formal education | 83% |
| Primary | 91% |
| Secondary | 98% |
| Post-secondary | 97% |
| Muslim | 96% |
| Traditional religions | 100% |
| Atheist | 100% |
| Christians | 99% |
| 56+ | 94% |
| 36-45 years | 94% |
| 26 - 35 years | 95% |
| 18-25 years | 97% |
| Uganda | 95% |
10.5 Media including social media
10.5.1 On 2 March 2023, Erasing 76 Crimes reported that a television debate on government owned Uganda Broadcasting Corporation entitled ‘The LGBTQ Debate: An attack on our social fabric’ revealed ‘the show[‘]s, bias against LGBT people.’[footnote 66]
10.5.2 On 23 March 2023, Edge Media Network, a network of local Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) news and entertainment publications in the world[footnote 67] reported that: ‘Anti-gay sentiment in Uganda has grown in recent weeks amid press reports alleging sodomy in boarding schools.’[footnote 68]
10.5.3 In September 2023, the Strategic Response Team (SRT), consortium of five entities operating in Uganda that documents and coordinates community response and referral mechanisms to providers of safe shelter, legal, safety, and protection services to LGBTI people across Uganda[footnote 69] produced a report on the rights and well-being of LGBTI people between January to August 2023 (SRT report September 2023). It noted: ‘Frequently, the media sensationally reported cases of suspected LGBTIQ+ persons and called for their elimination.’[footnote 70]
10.5.4 The GATE 2023 report, which covered the period July 2021 to July 2022 stated with respect to Uganda:
‘Respondents indicate that [anti gender] AG actors actively engage in creating and spreading false information about TGD communities in Uganda, and mostly use local forum webpages and FaceBook, followed by TV and print media, Twitter, and webpages to communicate with their audiences. Respondents fully (2) or somewhat (1) agree that social media platforms are the main mobilization means for AG actors, and fully agree that these platforms are not sufficiently enforcing their community safety rules to prevent harmful and/or fake news from spreading, and/or violent actions from being planned. In the Survey, respondents did not report any pro-human rights posts being blocked on any social media platform.’[footnote 71]
10.5.5 In 2024 February Jakob Svensson, a professor of media and communications at Malmö University, Emil Edenborg, a professor of gender studies at Stockholm University and Cecilia Strand an associate professor at the department of informatics and media Uppsala University, published an article examining the visibility of LGBT+ activism in Uganda. The article is based on secondary sources and 28 interviews conducted in Kampala between 20th December 2021 and 17th January 2022. Interviewees included unaffiliated individuals with same-sex desires, individuals working for an LGBT + organisations and international donors/actors in the country[footnote 72] (Svenson and others 2024). The article observed:
‘Ugandan print and broadcast media have been reluctant to provide balanced coverage of human rights and LGBT + advocacy, at best and outright hostile at worst. Furthermore, with the Ugandan media landscape full of discriminatory dis/misinformation pertaining to LGBT + people, self-controlled digital media spaces play a crucial role in the community to become visible for distant others both inside and outside Uganda on their own terms. Social media platforms thus allow LGBT + activist and organizations to curate their visibility to support individual and/or organizational objectives. Digital spaces are vital arenas for the community to communicate and socialize, as well as to engage in mobilization and coordination of community activities. Digital spaces are, however, far from unproblematic. Social media platforms open for other types of harassment and human rights abuses and may, in some cases, even increase the LGBT + community’s vulnerability.’[footnote 73]
10.5.6 The AI October 2024 report noted with respect to social media:
‘Amnesty International found widespread derogatory and offensive language against LGBTQ people in Uganda, which dehumanized and, at times, encouraged violence against them, reinforced harmful stereotypes and biases, and in some cases led to physical acts of violence. The online attacks came from a range of different actors, including known people, unknown members of the public, religious and cultural leaders, as well as political leaders.’ [footnote 74]
10.5.7 The same source further noted:
‘Organizations working on human rights and rights of LGBTQ persons told Amnesty International that disinformation … is rampant in Uganda and has contributed to widespread homophobia and transphobia and increased support for government actions to criminalize and penalize LGBTQ persons and their allies through harsh penalties. Mass circulation of clips wrongly alleging people and organizations of “promoting homosexuality” has exposed them to homophobic and transphobic sentiments by the public and the state, putting their safety at risk.
‘… [M]isinformation and disinformation campaigns, often with the patronage of religious and political elites, has contributed to fostering a climate whereby harmful stereotypes, bias, prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQ people are repeatedly circulated on social media platforms.’[footnote 75]
11. General treatment of LGBT+ people
11.1 State and societal acts
11.1.1 This section includes information about human rights violations against LGBT+ people from sources that do not (clearly) distinguish between state and societal actors. In addition, sources often refer to LGBT+ people collectively but the experiences of each group may differ. For information about treatment attributed to particular actors, see the following sections.
11.1.2 The USSD 2023 human rights report observed: ‘Human rights activists reported numerous instances of state and nonstate actor violence and harassment against LGBTQI+ persons and noted authorities did not adequately investigate the cases.’[footnote 76]
11.1.3 FH 2024 reporting on events in 2023 noted: ‘LGBT+ people in Uganda are not represented in politics and face pervasive discrimination, which became more severe after President Museveni signed the AHA in May 2023.’[footnote 77]
11.1.4 Following the passing of the AHA 2023 the BBC reported on 24 March 2023:
‘In the weeks before the debate, anti-homosexual sentiment was prominent in the media, an activist who wanted to remain anonymous told the BBC. “Members of the queer community have been blackmailed, extorted for money or even lured into traps for mob attacks,” the activist said.
“In some areas even law enforcers are using the current environment to extort money from people who they accuse of being gay. Even some families are reporting their own children to the police.”’[footnote 78]
11.1.5 An April 2024 report by Human rights Watch (HRW), a non-government organisation that monitors human rights, on the Constitutional Court’s decision on the AHA 2023 noted:
‘Even before the introduction of the 2023 act, LGBT Ugandans had frequently faced discrimination, harassment, and physical attacks. The Ugandan authorities have banned LGBT organizations, and accused some of “promoting homosexuality” and luring children into homosexuality through “forced recruitment”…
‘After the law came into force in May 2023, local groups reported that LGBT people in Uganda were experiencing increased attacks and discrimination by both officials and other people. These included beatings, sexual and psychological violence, evictions, blackmail, loss of employment, online harassment, and denial of health care based on their perceived or real sexual orientation or gender identity.’[footnote 79]
11.1.6 A 30 May 2024 article, by Edward Mutebi, a human rights activist and the founder and executive director of Let’s Walk Uganda, an NGO that seeks to advance the rights and well-being of marginalized individuals[footnote 80] and published by Bond, a UK network for organisations working in international development, (Mutebi May 2024 article) stated:
‘The enactment of this discriminatory law [AHA, 2023] has not only stripped LGBTQ+ individuals of their inherent rights but has also perpetuated a climate of fear, persecution, and violence that has reached alarming levels …
‘The pain and suffering endured by LGBTQ+ people in Uganda under the Anti-Homosexuality Act cannot be overstated. Forced evictions have left many individuals homeless, while others have been subjected to blackmail, extortion, and unwarranted arrests simply for being who they are. The dehumanising practice of forced anal examinations and other forms of torture in police custody has become distressingly common, highlighting the harsh realities faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.
‘Violent attacks on Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and activists advocating for LGBTQ+ rights have further exacerbated the challenges faced by the community …’[footnote 81]
11.1.7 The SRT June 2024 report noted:
‘Although law [AHA 2023] became legally enforceable after the presidential assent on 20th May 2023; suspected, perceived and or known LGBTQ+ persons, organisations and allies faced immense challenges following the misleading campaigns, misinformation in the media with allegations of “promotion of homosexuality and recruitment of young persons into homosexuality” in spaces like schools. As a result, LGBTQ+ persons were subjected to violence and threats, denial of services such as access to justice and health services …
‘[From September to May 2024] … Known and/or perceived LGBTQ+ persons were arrested, tortured, beaten, exposed, including evictions and banishments, blackmail, loss of employment, and health service disruptions. This was sustained by frequent fake and false news shared on different platforms and a sustained campaign to paint LGBTQ+ persons as persons who are not only acting against African and religious morals but also as persons who are out there to recruit children into homosexuality, destroy society and cause some form of apocalypse in Uganda.
‘In the reporting period the Uganda Police, Landlords, Local Councils (LCs), and family members are among the top violators of rights. This category of people especially Landlords, Mobs and LCs were generally enforcing provisions of the AHA that required individuals to report cases of violations and not to allow tenants in their houses.’ [footnote 82]
11.1.8 The AI October 2024 report noted:
‘Amnesty International documented various violations of the right to privacy of LGBTQ persons in Uganda, including through practices such as outing, doxing, hacking of individual and organizational accounts, and accessing devices and data of LGBTQ persons without their consent.
‘Doxing involves revealing personal information, identifying documents or details about someone without their consent online, typically with malicious intent. This can include a person’s home address, real name, children’s names, phone numbers or email address. Outing refers to the disclosure, online or offline, of a person’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity or their HIV status, without their consent and in violation of their right to privacy. In the interviews conducted by Amnesty International, doxing frequently led to outing of LGBTQ persons as often their SOGIE status was not known to others outside the community …
‘Amnesty International found that both state and non-state actors (private individuals) have engaged in acts of revealing identifying personal information about LGBTQ persons with the aim of shaming and maligning their reputation.
‘A prominent LGBTQ organization told Amnesty International that outing is a common phenomenon in Uganda which has several deleterious consequences on LGBTQ people.’[footnote 83]
11.1.9 The same source added:
‘… In countries such as Uganda, where people are forced to hide their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and/or expression, for fear of prosecution, violence, and discrimination, blackmail and extortion is endemic.
‘Data and messages stored on people’s devices and social media accounts played a pivotal role in arming blackmailers with “evidence” of the person being LGBTQ or being associated with LGBTQ people and organizations …
‘Perpetrators ranged from ex-partners, other LGBTQ community members, clients, to unknown members of the public, as well as police authorities. In cases of blackmail by private individuals, state authorities not only failed to effectively investigate them, but were also responsible for creating an environment where these crimes can occur with impunity.’ [footnote 84]
11.2 Numbers of incidents
11.2.1 In April 2024 Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted: ‘Close to 600 people are reported to have been subjected to human rights violations and abuses based on their actual or imputed sexual orientation or gender identity since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was enacted [in May 2023].’’[footnote 85] The report did not provide details on how the figure was arrived at or what constituted a human rights violation.
11.2.2 In June 2024 the SRT published a report based on documented reports of violations and threats to LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda covering the between September 2023 and May 2024 (SRT June 2024 report). It noted:
‘A total number of 1031 cases were recorded [by SRT] in the period under review involving 1043 LGBTQ+ persons who suffered 1253 human rights violations and abuses documented. These involved forced evictions and loss of shelter, violent attacks and threatening violence, exposure and outing, leading to violation of the rights to equality and non discrimination, freedom from torture inhuman and degrading treatment, access to social services, family rejection, mental and physical health challenges, among others. 1,228 persons categorised as state and no[n] state actors were responsible for violating the rights of LGBTQ+ persons.’[footnote 86]
11.2.3 The same source noted that: ‘The most affected persons were gay men, followed by transgender women and lesbians. The graph below shows the most affected persons in the number of cases documented:
Victims’ categories
| Category | Number of cases |
|---|---|
| Lesbians | 151 |
| Gay/MSM | 517 |
| Bisexual | 35 |
| Transgender | 201 |
| Queer/GNC/Non | 49 |
| Organisation | 4 |
| Unknown | 86 |
11.2.4 The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF), a non-governmental human rights advocacy organisation that seeks to promote respect and protection of human rights of marginalised persons and ‘most at risk populations’[footnote 88]publishes monthly reports of violence and human rights violations against LGBTI people compiled from cases handled by HRAPF’s network of lawyers and community paralegals. In its January 2025 report, HRAPF noted that: ‘In the first 19 months of the AHA 2023, a total of 1,485 cases involving LGBTIQ persons have been handled across the HRAPF legal aid network, of which 760 (51.2%) targeted LGBTIQ people on the basis of their sexuality, affecting a total of 967 persons.’[footnote 89]
11.2.5 The numbers of incidents for specific violations is presenting in below sections see sections on Evictions; Attacks and threats of violence, Arrests and harassment, Prosecutions
12. State treatment
12.1 Arrests and harassment
12.1.1 The March 2023 African Arguments article noted ‘… LBGTI people are routinely harassed: there have been … numerous arrests … there have been raids on LGBT-friendly bars and shelters, leading to numerous arrests. The Ugandan gay community has also witnessed the return of forced anal examinations (a form of cruel and degrading treatment, which could constitute torture).’[footnote 90] In a May 2024 report HRW noted that ‘Over the years, Ugandan police have … forced some detainees to undergo anal examinations, a form of cruel, degrading, and inhuman treatment that can, in some instances, constitute torture.’[footnote 91]
12.1.2 The USSD 2023 HR report observed that ‘Although the law prohibited arbitrary arrest and detention, security forces often arbitrarily arrested and detained persons, especially opposition supporters, activists, demonstrators, journalists, and LGBTQI+ persons.’[footnote 92]
12.1.3 The USSD 2023 HR report also noted:
‘LGBTQI+ activists reported police arrested numerous individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity and subjected many to forced anal exams, a medically discredited practice with no evidentiary value that was considered a form of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment and could amount to torture. LGBTQI+ activists under the umbrella association Convening for Equality reported 18 instances of forced anal exams by police between January and August. On August 23, the prosecutor charged a spa manager in Njeru Magistrate’s Court with homosexuality, promotion of homosexuality, and knowingly allowing her premises to be used for homosexuality, with potential sentences of life in prison, 20 years in prison, and seven years in prison, respectively. Police arrested the accused after complaints from the spa’s neighbors [sic], who reported the accused featured her workers in same-sex pornography video shoots. On August 22, prosecutors charged Elisha Mukisa, a prominent “ex-gay” activist, and his partner with homosexuality in breach of the AHA. The prosecution stated Mukisa lured his partner into same-sex relations and offered him accommodation in a government-sponsored apartment. Police detained the men and conducted anal exams on both. The court remanded the two to prison.’[footnote 93]
12.1.4 The SRT May 2024 report covering the period September 2023 to May 2024 observed:
‘A total 69 of the arrests were documented. 47 of these are arrests and charges were under the AHA while 22 were with no charges. Of those charged under the AHA 31 were charged with homosexuality, 11 with aggravated homosexuality, 3 attempted homosexuality and 2 promotion of homosexuality. In 22 cases there were no charges preferred and these were documented as arbitrary arrests. These involved 89 persons in total. It should be noted that there are various arrests and charges of sodomy, possession of narcotics, inciting violence among others that have not been included in the cases reported here. The cases preferred under other existing laws such as the Penal Code Act cap 120 and under Control of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Act, to mention Computer Misuse Act. 33 forced anal examinations were recorded by police. These violate the right to health and other multiple human rights enshrined in the Constitution including right to liberty, freedom from discrimination, freedom from torture inhuman and degrading treatment.’[footnote 94]
12.1.5 HRAPF January 2025 report noted that from June 2023 to December 2024 it documented 103 cases and 168 victims of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (SOGIE) related arrests. Of these 65 cases and 109 victims were reported between January and December 2024. Those arrested were charged with homosexuality under the AHA 2023, unnatural offences, having carnal knowledge against the order of nature and personation under the penal code[footnote 95]. The below table shows trends in arrests from January to December 2024 based on HRAPF documentation.
SOGIE related arrests January to December 2024
12.1.6 The Ugandan Police Force (UPF) annual Crime Reports contain a category ‘Sex related crimes’, which includes indecent assault, incest, and unnatural offences. The graph below uses data on unnatural offences from the UPF Annual Crime reports for 2022[footnote 97] and 2023 [footnote 98] covering 3 years (2021, 2022 and 2023). Section 145 of the penal code which legislates for ‘unnatural offences’ and acts against the ‘order of nature’ includes same-sex between men, bestiality and non-conventional sex between men and women, for example anal sex[footnote 99]. The UPF data under the unnatural offence subcategory does not state how many arrests were related to homosexuality and should therefore not be taken as the definitive number of SOGIE related arrests.
Unnatural offences
12.1.7 Unnatural offences comprised 0.6% of all sex related offences in 2022 (a total of 14,693) [footnote 100]] and 1% in 2023 (a total of 14,846)[footnote 101].
12.2 Prosecutions
12.2.1 The World Prison Brief, a database providing information about prison systems throughout the world operated by Birkbeck College, University of London. Country information is updated monthly, using data largely derived from governmental or other official sources[footnote 102]. The Uganda country page noted that as October 2024, the prison system operated at 367.2% of its intended capacity. There was a population of 78,057 (including pre-trial detainees/remand prisoners) against a prison capacity 21,257. The same source noted that 46.8% of total prisoners were pre-trial detainees/remand prisoners. The WPB further noted that the number of pre-trial/remand prisoners fluctuates from day to day, month to month and year to year, as a result the figures provide only an indication of the trend but the picture is inevitably incomplete [footnote 103] The data does not provide a breakdown of prisoners, hence it is not clear how many of the prisoners are LGBT+.
12.2.2 The SRT May 2024 report covering the period September 2023 to May 2024 noted:
‘In September 2023, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) issued a directive to suspend the implementation of the AHA. The DPP directed that all such cases should be sent to her office for advice and that officers needed to build the capacity to understand the law before it is implemented. It should be noted that despite the directive by the DPP not to enforce some aspects of the law, police and other officers continued the arrest and charging of LGBTQ+ persons. In some cases, these persons were charged with other charges or given holding charges.
‘On 4th April 2024 following the Constitutional Court ruling on AHA, the DPP issued another directive that required all State Attorneys to forward cases under the nullified sections of the AHA to the headquarters for proper management. It should also be noted that in the second circular, the DPP did not stop the enforcement of other provisions of the AHA, nor had there been a capacity building of officers which the DPP had promised in the first circular. This has resulted in continued enforcement of the AHA even when the Court of Appeal decision has been appealed.’[footnote 104]
12.2.3 The same source further noted: ‘A total of 69 persons were arrested, 22 of these were released without charge after spending more than 48 hours in police custody, a direct violation of their right to liberty. 47 of these are arrests and charges were under the AHA while 22 were with no charges. Of those charged under the AHA, 31 were charged with homosexuality, 11 with aggravated homosexuality, 3 attempted homosexuality and 2 promotion of homosexuality.’[footnote 105]
12.2.4 The AI State of the World’s Human Rights report covering events in 2023 (AI 2023 report) noted:
‘In August, the director of public prosecutions [DPP] directed that all cases with charges preferred under the [AHA 2023] act should be submitted to her office with a written legal opinion providing further guidance before a decision to charge is made. However, five cases of “aggravated homosexuality” were already being tried in courts in the Kampala, Lugazi, Mbarara, Soroti and Wakiso districts, and two of the accused in these cases remained in police custody while others were released on bond. According to HRAPF, at least 59 people were charged with various offences under the law by the end of the year.’[footnote 106]
12.2.5 The UPF crime report noted that out of 160 cases recorded in 2023, under the ‘unnatural offences’ category which include same-sex between men, bestiality and non-conventional sex between men and women, for example anal sex, 77 (48%) were taken to court out of which 8 (10%) resulted in convictions, 6 (8%) in dismissals, and 62 (81%) were still pending in court. According to the crime data 83 people were charged of which 9 (11%) were convicted, one (one%) was discharged, and 67 (81%) were awaiting trial. Of those convicted, 5 were imprisoned (no details on length of sentences), one was fined, one was cautioned and 2 were sentenced to community work[footnote 107]. To contextualise this, CPIT has produced the table below showing number of cases and persons arrested, charged, convicted and length of conviction for “unnatural offences” 2022 and 2023.
2022 [footnote 108]
| Sex related offences | Unnatural offences | |
|---|---|---|
| Cases | Cases | |
| Reported | 14,693 | 83 |
| Under inquiry | 8,290 | 44 |
| Taken to court | 5461 | 36 |
| Submitted to DPP | 8,396 | 45 |
| With Convictions | 224 | 2 |
| Dismissed | 5 | 2 |
| Pending in court | 5231 | 32 |
| Persons | Persons | |
| Charged Male | 5,562 | 38 |
| Charged Female | 105 | 1 |
| Convicted Male | 198 | 2 |
| Convicted Female | 26 | - |
| Awaiting trial | 5,433 | 35 |
| Acquitted | - | - |
| Discharged | 10 | 2 |
| Sentences | Sentences | |
| Imprisonment | 180 | 1 |
| Fined | 14 | - |
| Probation | 5 | - |
| Cautioned | 24 | 1 |
| Community work | 1 | - |
2023 [footnote 109]
| Sex related offences | Unnatural offences | |
|---|---|---|
| Cases | Cases | |
| Reported | 14,846 | 160 |
| Under inquiry | 5,661 | 60 |
| Taken to court | 6,395 | 77 |
| Submitted to DPP | 9,592 | 102 |
| With Convictions | 1,015 | 8 |
| Dismissed | 463 | 6 |
| Pending in court | 4,872 | 62 |
| Persons | Persons | |
| Charged Male | 6,448 | 80 |
| Charged Females | 107 | 3 |
| Convicted Male | 1,011 | 8 |
| Convicted Female | 44 | 1 |
| Awaiting trial | 4,990 | 67 |
| Acquitted | 64 | 1 |
| Discharged | 446 | 6 |
| Sentences | Sentences | |
| Imprisonment | 886 | 5 |
| Fined | 31 | 1 |
| Probation | 2 | - |
| Cautioned | 87 | 1 |
| Community work | 49 | 2 |
12.3 Invasion of privacy, doxing, outing, and blackmailing
12.3.1 The AI October 2024 report noted:
‘Amnesty International documented six cases where police authorities were involved in seizing mobile devices of LGBTQ persons, and the police forcefully accessed the data on their phone. According to XXB, a human rights organization based in Kampala, these instances are quite common: “If someone is suspected of being ‘homosexual’, their phones are confiscated, passwords are forcefully removed, their data is accessed and sometimes videos are circulated without consent. The data on their devices is also used for blackmailing.”’ Interviewees also told Amnesty International that when phones are seized by the police, police look through their contacts and applications to find other LGBTQ persons.’[footnote 110]
12.3.2 The same source explained:
‘In March 2023, police raided the premises of an LGBTQ organization in Jinja, while members of the organization were involved in a training and arrested six of them …
‘Following the arrest, the Uganda Police Force published a post on Uganda police’s Facebook page […] which included the real names of the members and provided various identifiers about them, including where they lived and worked … The post also provided a link to the police statement encouraging people to provide more information “regarding residential locations in neighbourhoods, where acts of sexual trafficking and other unusual activities are taking place”, further creating a platform for other LGBTQ activists to be outed and doxed.
‘In their post, the police claimed that the members of the LGBTQ organization were “actively involved in the grooming of young boys into acts of sodomy, recruiting of male adults into gay practices, recording of pornographic and sex videos of children and other unnatural sex practices” …
‘Lastly, the post notes that “The 6 suspects were examined and some found to be HIV positive” …
‘As a result of being doxed and outed to the community, one of the arrested persons told Amnesty International: “I was a church minister before, but since this happened, they did not allow me to do that. Whenever I move in the community, they are like ‘this is the guy, he’s homosexual’. I had a place to stay, I used to rent near my family before, I had a job, I was selling clothes. But I was robbed, don’t know who took my things. I don’t have a wage or a place to stay. I couldn’t afford renting my place anymore. I stay with a friend and this peer educator job that I do is voluntary. I cannot go home because my family doesn’t want to see me after what happened.”’[footnote 111]
12.3.3 The AI October 2024 report noted with respect to blackmailing: ‘… In fact, many interviewees told Amnesty International that police authorities were often responsible for blackmailing.’[footnote 112] The same source added: ‘One of the interviewees noted … blackmailing has “become a business”, whereby blackmailers often have connections with police and the police use the opportunity to get some money from LGBTQ persons under threats of charging them under the AHA 2023. “[Y]ou will be released after giving them money…you don’t even get something like a police bond, you will just be released without anything.” [footnote 113]
12.3.4 For information on reported incidents of doxing, outing blackmailing see Numbers of incidents and State and societal acts.
12.4 Freedom of expression
12.4.1 ILGA noted that there are explicit legal barriers to freedom of expression for LGBTI people,
‘… Section 10 of the [AHA 2023] Act punishes the “promotion of homosexuality” with imprisonment of 20 years when a person: (a) persuades someone to perform a same-sex sexual act or any other offense; (b) advertises or promotes homosexuality or an offense under the Act through various means, including the internet; (c) provides financial support for activities that encourage homosexuality; (d) knowingly provides a house, building, or establishment to another person to undertake activities that encourage homosexuality or any other offense under the Act; and (e) operates an organisation that promotes or encourages homosexuality or conduct that is prohibited under the Act. After the introduction of the Law, both the Parliament and the Ministry of Education have announced their intentions to conduct investigations into the alleged “increase in homosexuality within schools”.[footnote 114]
12.4.2 Freedom House’s Freedom of the Net report on digital media and internet freedom covering the period June 2023 to May 2024 noted: ‘In April 2024, the Constitutional Court upheld sections of the 2023 AHA that criminalize the “promotion of homosexuality,” including on the internet, and threaten to undermine freedom of expression online.’[footnote 115]
12.4.3 AI report October 2024 noted: ‘People are forced to hide their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and/or expression, for fear of prosecution, violence, and discrimination.’[footnote 116] It added:
‘There are several laws contributing to circumscribing online space in Uganda. Some of the key ones include the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 (CMA), the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act, 2010 (RICA), Uganda Communications Act, 2013 (UCA) and the Electronic Transactions Act, 2011.
‘The CMA is one of the primary technology-based laws used by Ugandan authorities to control online expression. The CMA creates broad offences such as “cyber harassment” and “offensive communications” . While Section 25 of the CMA dealing with “offensive communications” was struck down by the Ugandan Constitutional Court for being vague and overbroad, the Ugandan state appealed the judgment and received an interim order, which has in effect allowed it to remain in force …
‘[T]here are some indications that these laws on communications in digital spaces have been used to target LGBTQ communities in Uganda, including since the passage of the AHA 2023 … Since the AHA was passed in May 2023, HRAPF has documented two instances where LGBTQ persons were charged under provisions of the CMA. A gay man was arrested under cyber harassment charges pursuant to Section 24 of the CMA for exchanging messages with another man he met over a dating app. The police accused him of “sending lewd and offensive messages” over social media and was held for three days. A TikTok comedian and hairdresser who was attacked with homophobic insults in the comment section of her videos, and responded back to such comments was initially charged with “promoting homosexuality”. The charge was later amended to “offensive communication” on the basis of her comments on TikTok defending herself from abusive attacks.
‘… As a part of this research, Amnesty International documented widespread fear amongst the LGBTQ community that digital laws, especially the CMA, are being used to monitor and access their data and devices. Any content on their devices or social media posts, which is deemed to be related to SOGIE, they fear, could make them fall afoul of the provisions of the CMA, especially when used in conjunction with the AHA 2023 …’[footnote 117]
12.4.4 For more information on freedom of expression see also section on LGBTIQ organisations
13. Societal treatment
13.1 Attacks and threats of violence
13.1.1 The BTI 2022 report covering events from 2019 to 2021 noted: ‘Individuals whose sexual orientation is not in line with the “moral values” of the majority of the population face social ostracism, and occasionally threats and violence.’[footnote 118]
13.1.2 On 29 November 2023 Erasing 76 Crimes reported:
‘Uganda is enduring a surge of homophobic attacks as homophobes use the cover of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 (AHA) to commit acts of terror against presumed LGBTQI+ persons.
‘The trend is escalating, with videos depicting the beating and humiliation of individuals based on their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity being widely shared on social media platforms.
‘In one distressing video from TikTok, an unidentified “gay man” is seen being assaulted, undressed and humiliated as one of the attackers cursing in a local language, saying, “We don’t want homosexuals … You deserve death. You need to be gang-raped so that you learn.’[footnote 119]
13.1.3 According to the SRT May 2024 report, 92 cases of actual physical violence, 87 cases of threatening violence and verbal attacks, and 41 cases of cyber and online attacks were reported between September 2023 and May 2024[footnote 120]. The report noted:
‘Several persons reported cases where mobs attacked them or a stranger would find them and start beating them accusing them of being gay. This was also made common by landlords who evicted LGBTQ+ persons from their houses. The landlords out the LGBTQ+ persons by calling on neighbours or members of the community to attack them. There are also cases where the landlords themselves attacked the victims …
‘There were also reported cases where the family members could beat the person. This happened mainly before the persons were excommunicated from the family or when the person had a disagreement with the family member. In most cases when such assault happens, most family members are not willing to intervene because of the fear of the consequences and power relations in the family or sometimes because the victim is viewed as less human and therefore no need to help. In some cases the persons attacking see the attack as helping to “correct” the victim and for this, the victim does not get support from family or from law enforcement agencies.’[footnote 121]
13.1.4 The HRAPF January 2025 report from June 2023 to December 2023 it documented 317 cases of violence and 383 victims of SOGIE-based violence. From January to December 2024, the figures were 180 cases and 112 victims. Incidents included actual and threats of assault and extortion against individuals presumed to be LGBT+[footnote 122]. The graph below shows trends in cases and victims of SOGIE related violence documented by HRAPF from January to December 2024[footnote 123].
SOGIE related violence January to December 2024
13.1.5 Between September 2023 and May 2024 SRT documented 41 cases of cyber and online attacks on LGBTI persons[footnote 124].
13.1.6 The AI October 2024 report explained:
‘The increasing reliance on digital spaces by LGBTQ people, especially in the context of limited access to their rights in physical spaces, has been met with a simultaneous increase in various forms of [technology facilitated gender-based violence] TfGBV against them by … non-state actors (primarily private individuals) …
‘… Threats, harassment and violence against LGBTQ people that start in offline spaces, often percolate into and are amplified through social media platforms, which can in turn lead to further offline violence and attacks.
‘… in LGBTQ persons being subjected to online abuse and threats of violence, most of the organizations and LGBTQ people whom Amnesty International met indicated that the passage of the AHA 2023 and the veil of criminalization it shrouds the LGBTQ community in, has resulted in increased severity, frequency and new forms of TfGBV against LGBTQ persons in Uganda.’[footnote 125]
13.1.7 The USSD 2023 HR report noted: ‘Local media and LGBTQI+ activists reported intersex children were at high risk of infanticide and some parents of children with disabilities abandoned them in the bush or threw them in pit latrines and left them to die.’[footnote 126]
13.2 Evictions
13.2.1 SRT June 2024 reported that the second most violated rights in Uganda was ‘the right to housing/shelter, with 211 people reporting being evicted from their homes or places where they stayed without alternatives or proper planning for alternative shelter.’[footnote 127]
13.2.2 SRT also noted: ‘434 cases of evictions from premises and banishment [chased away from locality] were recorded in the period [September 2023 to May 2024]. Landlords and Local Council (LC) leaders continue to be the most frequent perpetrators of the violation and abuse of the right to housing of LGBTQ+ persons. Although the section of AHA mandated house owners to deny LGBTQ+ persons right to housing and shelter, cases of evictions continue to be reported and documented.’[footnote 128]
13.2.3 The HRAPF January 2025 report noted that between January and December 2024, HRAPF recorded 170 were incidents of evictions from rented properties, family properties and villages of residence by landlords/ property owners, family members and local area leaders.’[footnote 129] The below graph, shows trends in evictions – cases and victims – as documented by HRAPF.
Evictions - cases and victims: January to December 2024
13.2.4 The graph shows a sharp decrease in cases and victims from May 2024. This followed the 2 April 2024 Constitutional Court decision to annul section 9 of the AHA 2023 which made it an offence of up to 7 years imprisonment to knowingly allow a premises to be used for purposes of homosexuality[footnote 130]. As HRAPF noted in its October 2024 report: ‘The Constitutional Court judgement has greatly contributed to the reduction of eviction cases as property owners are no longer at risk of being arrested for letting out their properties to homosexuals or persons presumed to be homosexuals.’[footnote 131]
13.2.5 The AI October 2024 report noted that ‘As a result of being outed, LGBTQ persons and human rights defenders were subjected to evictions or ousted from family homes[footnote 132].
13.3 Doxing, outing and blackmail
13.3.1 The SRT 2024 report noted:
‘The right to privacy is protected under Article 27 of the … Constitution …
‘Despite the above constitutional guarantee the right to privacy of many LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda continues to be violated. There have been several cases of violation of the right to privacy of LGBTQ+ persons.
‘A total of 208 incidents of violation of the right to privacy were documented. Most of these were from landlords and relatives who entered homes and bedrooms to establish if acts of homosexuality were happening. Most times the intrusion happens during the night or during times when the persons are resting. In many of the cases, the violators entered bedrooms and tried to search for materials that would prove that acts of homosexuality were happening…
‘Many of the cases resulted from victims being outed by those they trusted or those they lived with … In one of the cases, the victim’s colleague at work checked his phone and found gay porn, and started spreading rumours about his sexual orientation which reached his landlord who then evicted him. They checked the phone, computer, and other items. Several respondents faced violation of their right to property through forced anal examination.’[footnote 133]
13.3.2 The AI October 2024 report noted that blackmail and extortion is endemic in Uganda with perpetrators including ex-partners, other LGBTQ community members, clients, and unknown members of the public[footnote 134]. The same source further reported: For example, Amana*, a human rights defender protecting the rights of LGBTQ people living in a rural area, told Amnesty International that her organization received many threats from private individuals, through the social media account of their organization … Dating apps were reported as one of the key platforms where people create fake accounts to entrap others and use photos or video shared over the apps for blackmailing.’[footnote 135]
13.3.3 The SRT June 2024 report that SRT documented 59 cases of public outing, exposure, and insecurity and 15 cases of blackmail and extortion were recorded between September 2023 and May 2024[footnote 136]. The AI October 2024 report noted that ‘Amnesty International was told of 4 instances of doxing by unknown individuals[footnote 137]) and that it documented at least 25 cases of people reporting being blackmailed directly, knowing of cases where their friends have been blackmailed, or handling cases of blackmail as paralegals and LGBTQ organizations.’[footnote 138]
13.4 Correctional rape and forced marriages
13.4.1 The USSD 2023 human rights report observed: ‘Activists reported some families … compelled their LGBTQI+ children into forced marriages in an attempt to change their sexual orientation.’[footnote 139]
13.4.2 The SRT May 2024 report also received reports of correctional rape. It observed:
‘Cases of “correctional rape” were also rampant. All the cases were against persons that society brands as female. The cases happened mainly in homes and other residencies as well as at police[sic]. The cases at homes and residencies were mainly with people who were closely related to the victims. These are mainly parents, siblings, or close relatives. In most cases, rape is either by these very persons or by another person who is arranged to come and do it. On the other hand, similar rapes were reported by persons in police custody including gang rape. These are normally arranged with close family relatives who work with individual police to carry out rape.’[footnote 140]
13.4.3 Although the report stated that ‘cases of “correctional rape” were rampant’ it documented 19 cases of sexual assault which included corrective rape, forced marriages and reproductive coercion through childbearing from September 2023 to May 2024[footnote 141].
13.4.4 On 13 June 2024 Erasing Crimes reported on the experience in prison of Ugandan gay activist Ronald Agaba. Agaba was arrested on 14 March 2024 for protesting against the corruption in Parliament reportedly orchestrated by the House Speaker Anita Among and detained at the Central Police Station (CPS) in Kampala and later remanded to Luzira Maximum Security Prison until 17 May 2024. The report stated:
‘According to Agaba, the most shocking human violations against gay inmates include forced anal fingering using cooking oil and forced oral sex by other homophobic prisoners, countless rapes, being stripped bare to see what a gay man’s anus looks like, name-calling, humiliation, and beatings.
‘He says these human rights abuses are normalized both at CPS and in Luzira against anyone suspected to be gay.’[footnote 142]
13.5 Conversion therapy
13.5.1 The May 2020 report of the UN Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (UNHRC May 2020 report) noted that faith-based organisations and political authorities in Uganda endorsed conversion therapy and that electric shocks and medication have been used as a method of aversion therapy (which tries to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity)[footnote 143].
13.5.2 The USSD HR report 2023 observed:
‘LGBTQI+ activists reported LGBTQI+ persons endured intense social pressure to change their sexual orientation. The AHA provided for courts to order persons convicted under its provisions to undergo “rehabilitation,” although the government did not enforce this provision. Activists reported some families compelled LGBTQI+ children to undergo talk therapy sessions with religious leaders intended to change sexual orientation, compelled LGBTQI+ children to “denounce” their sexual orientation and gender identity in religious gatherings … LGBTQI+ activists reported some public health workers attempted to compel LGBTQI+ persons to change their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression before providing health services … Some government officials openly encouraged attempts to change the sexual orientation of LGBTQI+ persons.’[footnote 144]
13.5.3 On 16 February 2023, the Daily Monitor reported: ‘The Archbishop of Church of Uganda, Samwel Kaziimba Mugalu, who doubles as the chairperson of the [Inter-Religious Council of Uganda] IRCU, urged all religions to open centres to provide counselling and support to people who could have been involved in homosexuality.’[footnote 145]
13.5.4 An April 2023 report by the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC), on the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and Sovereignty that brought together delegates from over 22 African countries, quoted President Museveni saying that ‘Homosexuality is reversible and curable. But it should not be preserved or propagated it should be confine [sic].”’ The same source reported that MP Sarah Opendi, leader of the Ugandan delegation, assured President Museveni that the bill recently passed by Parliament has some clauses that propose the establishment of rehabilitation centers for the victims of homosexuality’ noting: “Children could have been lured into this act innocently.”’[footnote 146]
13.5.5 Al Jazeera, a Qatari state-owned news organisation, report on 20 April 2024 stated: ‘President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda has refused to sign into law a controversial new bill against homosexuality … requesting that it should be amended … A spokesman for the presidency said Museveni was not opposed to the punishments proposed in the bill but wanted parliamentarians to look into “the issue of rehabilitation.”’[footnote 147]
13.5.6 The SRT May 2024 report noted:
‘Some respondents reported cases where parents or those with authority over them took them to places of worship to force them to change. In most places of worship, the victims are seen as possessed outcasts who have demons that have to be prayed for or removed by some form of force …
‘In some cases, the victims are denied food in the name of fasting and this lasts for days. One of the victims narrated how he was denied food so they could have days of dry fasting (going for several days or hours without food or water). This went on for days and when he did not change, he was sent away from home and was described as an outcast since he was not conforming to what the family wanted.’[footnote 148]
13.5.7 SRT also noted that preachers claimed that ‘homosexuality is immoral and against religious and African cultures’ and called for ‘forced counselling of LGBTQ+ persons.’[footnote 149]
14. Treatment of LGBT+ family members
14.1.1 A July 2024 response to an information response complied by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) Research Directorate, citing other sources, noted:
‘In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Executive Director of the African Human Rights Coalition (AHRC), an organization that advocates for and provides “humanitarian” services to LGBTQI+ Africans who are “forcibly displaced, refugees and asylum seekers,” including in the US provided the following information, based on “direct case reporting” and AHRC’s “intake process”:
‘[F]amily members of LGBTQI+ individuals are often treated in similar fashion to the LGBTQI+ person themselves. Family members are also demonized, ostracized, [and] persecuted …Families are more likely to suffer such measures in instances where the family fails to take their own direct and reporting action against the LGBTQI+ person …
‘Hence there is societal pressure for the family to “take the law into their own hands” by punishing with violence, banishing, “curing” the LGBTQI+ family member. For lesbians the latter includes so-called “corrective rape” where family members have been deployed to use this method to teach the lesbian to become a “proper woman,” and to perform according to what society expects of her.
‘In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a non-profit NGO advocating for the fundamental human rights of LGBTI individuals in Uganda, noted that the treatment of family members of individuals with diverse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity/ Expression and Sex Characteristics] SOGIESC depends on whether the family members “support or discriminate against” the individual with diverse SOGIESC; if the family member does support the individual, the community may “hate and mistreat” the family for supporting them.’[footnote 150]
14.1.2 No other information could be found in sources consulted (see Bibliography).
15.Access to services
15.1 Housing
15.1.1 The USSD 2023 human rights report stated that LGBTQI+ activists reported discrimination in access to housing. The report noted: ‘LGBTQI+ activists reported a sharp rise in evictions of LGBTQI+ persons with the introduction of the AHA draft bill. The HRAPF and the Uganda Key Populations Consortium reported responding to 424 cases of eviction and the need for relocation by September [2023].’[footnote 151]The same source added: ‘families disowned LGBTQI+ persons and expelled them from households, which left many homeless and led others to conceal their sexual orientation.’[footnote 152]
15.1.2 The SRT May 2024 report noted:
‘The right to shelter was one of the most abused rights in the reporting period [September 2023 to April 2024]. This is mainly through landlords chasing persons believed to be LGBTQ+ from their houses … In many such cases, household property would be destroyed as landlords forcefully threw the victims out of the houses. There were also reported cases where parents chased their children from their homes due to suspecting them to be LGBTQ+ …In the reporting period, we received 211 cases of such.’[footnote 153]
15.1.3 For information on number of evictions, see Evictions.
15.2 Education
15.2.1 In a June 2022 interview with CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society organisations and acticists[footnote 154], Opio Sam Leticia founder and executive director of the Ugandan LGBT+ NGO, Queer Youth Uganda (QYU), stated ‘some LGBTQI+ people do not have the skills needed for the job market due to their higher school dropout rates. Parents play a significant role in this because when they discover their kids’ sexual orientation they often deny them access to education and even throw them out of their homes.’[footnote 155]
15.2.2 A June 2023 article by Rella Women’s Foundation (RWF), an organisation which offers a safe and structured environment for LBQ women[footnote 156], examined the economic impact of the anti-homosexuality bill on LBQ persons (RWF June 2023 article) and noted: ‘Many queer youths have had to leave school or drop out of university because they could not afford to pay the extra fees demanded by their schools or because they were denied scholarships or other financial support.’[footnote 157]
15.2.3 The SRT May 2024 report stated:
‘On August 18th, 2023, the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) issued a circular requiring education institutions to respect the right to non-discrimination and to implement the Gender in Education Policy. The circular did not provide for any mechanisms in which these would be enforced. It only stated that the state does not condone discrimination and called upon other agencies to do the same! Due to the lack of concrete orders and directives in the policy and the circular issued by the PS, education institutions continued discriminating against LGBTQ+ persons including dismissing teachers and children from school … There were no measures to punish the schools that discriminated against the children or the teachers on the basis of their sexual orientation.’[footnote 158]
15.2.4 The SRT May report also stated:
‘In the build-up to tabling the AHA, during the debate, and after the debate there was an increase in false news on the spread of homosexuality in schools. This resulted in many schools dismissing children they believed were LGBTQ+.
‘In March 2024, the Minister of State for Primary Education closed the boarding section of Kaducu Primary School on allegations that 4 children were sodomised by the warden. The minister accused the school of being congested and this was a factor contributing to homosexuality in school …
‘There was a number of fake news about schools and school leaders promoting homosexuality. Among them are the claims about Budo S. S. teacher who it was claimed that he has raped children for over 5 years, and photos of Vienna college school where two girls were acting and was portrayed as a gay couple, among others. There were also cases of posting photos of young persons, especially students, and claiming that they were gay which has the potential of undermining their reputation but also affecting their education.
‘Some schools dismissed students claiming that the students were LGBTQ+, … these were mainly students who were mainly suspected of being LGBTQ+ because of how they looked. A total of 5 cases were documented.’[footnote 159]
15.2.5 The Mutebi May 2024 article noted that ‘Young queer youths have borne a disproportionate brunt of the Anti-Homosexuality Act’s impact, with a surge in school dropouts resulting from pervasive homophobia in educational institutions and families.’[footnote 160]
15.3 Employment
15.3.1 In a June 2022 interview with CIVICUS, Opio Sam Leticia, founder and executive director of QYU said: ‘Discrimination in workplaces is still rampant: many people who openly identify as LGBTQI+ find it challenging to get employed. The unemployment rate in the LGBTQI+ community is high because there are not enough job opportunities. In addition, some LGBTQI+ people do not have the skills needed for the job market due to their higher school dropout rates.’[footnote 161]
15.3.2 The USSD HR report 2023 noted: ‘In June, the HRAPF reported unidentified individuals outed a lesbian by pinning a written notice to her door and sending one to her employer; she was immediately fired and forced to seek alternative accommodation after her neighbors [sic] threatened her.’[footnote 162]
15.3.3 Mutebi May 2024 article noted: ‘Many individuals have been denied job opportunities or faced job loss due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to heightened food insecurity and economic hardship. The denial of basic rights and opportunities based on one’s identity has been normalised in Uganda.’[footnote 163]
15.3.4 The RWF June 2023 article observed:
‘One of the ways in which the AHB [anti-homosexuality bill] has impacted the LBQ community economically is by limiting their access to employment. Many employers in Uganda and other parts of the world discriminate against LBQ individuals, refusing to hire them or even firing them if they are discovered to be LBQ. The AHB would further entrench this discrimination, making it even more difficult for LBQ individuals to find work and earn a living.
‘Economically the community has been affected greatly because masculine LBQ persons cannot go anywhere without being noticed which leads to harassment from the homophobic people wherever they go running their errands or minding their business. This has been the extent that followed “them” to their residents and workplaces. This has caused insecurity among the community members as they have been threatened and promised to be harmed so thus making where they work unsafe and lives unsafe …
‘… Many queer youths … lost their jobs or were denied employment opportunities because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.’[footnote 164]
15.3.5 The SRT May 2024 report noted that: ‘Several people lost their jobs because of being discovered to be LGBTQ+ persons. In some cases, co-workers would out the persons and demand that they be dismissed while in other cases it resulted after being outed or where landlords or LCs would report the people or demand that such people be dismissed.’[footnote 165] According to the same source 124 cases of violations of the right to work which included 35 cases of termination of employment were reported from January 2023 to April 2024[footnote 166].
15.4 Healthcare
15.4.1 The USSD 2023 human rights report observed: ‘LGBTQI+ activists reported LGBTQI+ persons suffered stigma and faced discrimination in access to health care.’[footnote 167] It added: ‘The Ministry of Health released two circulars instructing public health workers “not to deny services to any client who presents themselves for services,” and “not to discriminate or stigmatize any individual who seeks healthcare for any reason – gender, religion, tribe, economic or social status or sexual orientation.”’[footnote 168]
15.4.2 The USSD 2023 HR report also noted:
‘LGBTQI+ activists reported LGBTQI+ persons were able to provide informed consent before receiving reproductive health treatment, although many lesbians and bisexual and queer women preferred to access sexual and reproductive health services at LGBTQI+ drop-in centers as they found public health facilities did not cater to their needs. The activists reported some public health officials declined to provide health care, including reproductive health services, to LGBTQI+ persons.’[footnote 169]
15.4.3 A June 2023 article by Vox, an organisation composed of journalists and subject-matter experts that research, report and produce articles, videos, and podcasts[footnote 170], quoted Richard Lusimbo, a Ugandan LGBT+ rights activist who leads the Uganda Key Populations Consortium, saying that LGBT+ ‘peer sex educators have been jailed for providing HIV preventive services.’ The same source quoted Kenneth Mwehonge, the director of Uganda’s Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development saying that since the passage of the AHA 2023 ‘drop-in centers that offer HIV services to members of Uganda’s LGBTQ community have seen a 60 percent drop in service utilization.’[footnote 171]
15.4.4 An April 2024 report by HRAPF which analysed the implications of the constitutional court’s judgement on the AHA observed that ‘Removing the reporting obligation from health workers means that more LGBTQ persons are likely to seek services without the fear of being reported. Doctors and other health professionals have a duty to protect the confidentiality of their clients.’ [footnote 172] However the report went on to say:
‘Although the law does not impose an obligation on health workers to report persons suspected to be LGBTQ, it does not impose one upon them to actually provide services to them, and neither does it allow room for LGBTQ people to be treated fully and fairly … Indeed, maintaining section 11 on promotion of homosexuality is instead a big deterrent to health workers and their employers from providing services. By providing services, they run the risk of being arrested for promotion of homosexuality. A clear scenario is the provision of sexual health consumables like lubricants and condoms to persons that a health worker knows to be LGBTQ, which has in the past led to the arrest of at least one health worker in a well-documented incident … Displaying of materials on safe sex … might also constitute promotion of homosexuality, which attracts imprisonment for 20 years or a fine of one billion shillings for organisations and suspension of operational permit for ten years, and this is a huge deterrent. It is also important to note that, for organisations in health service provision whose political identity is already tainted with homophobia, this is the perfect excuse not to provide services to LGBTQ persons, and the law does not prohibit this.’[footnote 173]
15.4.5 An April 2024 article by Open Democracy, an independent international media platform[footnote 174], which also analysed the constitutional court’s ruling on the AHA 2023 observed:
‘While the court guarantees access to health services, fears remain that messaging around healthcare may fall under the “promotion” of homosexuality, a vague and overreaching offence punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
‘Health educators also worry that people could also be arrested for the possession of medical products like lubricants and pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) – medicine taken to prevent contracting HIV – and that the number of people accessing health services is likely to remain low. The rate of gay patients attending a major referral hospital in eastern Uganda for treatment has fallen from about 300 last year to a little over 100, according to Emma*, a doctor offering HIV/AIDS services, who asked that only their first name be used out of fear of reprisal.
‘“The government is basically saying, ‘If we catch you doing this, we’ll imprison you, but if you do it, you can still access medication’. The queer community I supply medicine to see it as a trap,” Jovan Nyanzi, a transwoman sex worker and peer health educator in eastern Uganda told openDemocracy.
‘For Nyanzi, before the AHA, between 50 and 60 queer HIV/AIDS patients would pick up medication from her each month. Since the AHA was introduced, that number has more than halved …
‘Medication itself is also known to be used by the police to incriminate LGBTIQ people under the AHA. Last December, the Ugandan police in Busia, a border town with Kenya, arrested … a gay man, and his friend after finding self-testing kits and lubricants in their bag. They were held for four days and subjected to forced anal examinations and blood tests, and later charged with the “offence” of “homosexuality” …
‘The court’s upholding of the right to healthcare appears inconsistent with other parts of its ruling. Although it recognised research and data showing that the community of men who have sex with men (MSM) in Uganda is particularly vulnerable to, and at risk of, contracting HIV/AIDS, the court also found that “physical harm” from anal sex “imposes a burden on the health system” and that HIV infection rates “place a worrisome disease burden on national health systems”.
‘Queer organisations that offer health services … could still be at risk of breaking the AHA under its “promotion of homosexuality” clause …
‘This also extends to the financing of gay work or activities, and knowingly advertising or publishing material or running an organisation that “promotes,” “encourages” or “normalises” homosexuality …
‘Many peer educators have reportedly left their work too in fear of arrest under the so-called “promotion” of homosexuality, and medical workers at government health centres sometimes treat them with suspicion and contempt …’[footnote 175]
15.4.6 A July 2024 a Vox report quoted Brian Aliganyira, the executive director of the Ark Wellness Hub, an LGBT+ health clinic, saying:
‘Just providing health education is a challenge. It’s very hard to provide information that includes sexual health for men who have sex with men or for LGBTQ persons, because now that is also termed as promotion of homosexuality. And now authorities are viewing just providing lubricants as promotion of homosexuality, so our supplies of those have gone down.
‘For us as health workers and service providers, we are at risk for being penalized under this law. But if we give up and don’t provide services to our community, we’d be assured they would not get them anywhere.
‘In early June, a transgender woman who had been beaten was taken to the hospital to access emergency services. While the doctors were tending to her wounds, they saw that she had male genitals and called the media. This person was in critical condition, and instead of giving them care, they just called the media and took pictures and exposed the person…’[footnote 176]
15.4.7 On 11 June 2024, Alliance, a UK based charitable organisation[footnote 177], observed:
‘LGBTIQ+ people in Rwenzori sub region, Uganda are pleading for a non-discriminative environment at health facilities to ensure equitable and quality access to Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV services.
‘LGBTIQ+ people in rural areas of Rwenzori sub region, says access to these services has drastically become more erratic and inadequate since the introduction of the Anti-homosexuality act 2023 …
‘The act criminalizes the work of local NGOs that offer support to the LGBTIQ+ community accusing them of “promoting homosexuality” …
‘On April 2024, the Constitutional Court … struck down sections that restricted healthcare access for LGBTIQ people. Despite the ruling, queer people say access to these services at health facilities, especially in rural districts, is still a big challenge.
‘Grassroots rural organizations like We for All Rwenzori (WEFORI), Twilight Support Initiative (TSI), Blessed Rwenzori Uganda (BRU) among others have been trying to provide reasonable access to screening and testing, lubricants and condoms, PrEP, PEP services for LGBTIQ+ people. Despite their best efforts, these services remain largely limited due to lack of resources and hostile homophobic communities …
‘However, the Kasese district Health Officer, Dr. Stephen Bagonza, said there has not been any reported incident of discrimination and stigmatization against LGBTIQ+ people at any health facility in the district and affirmed that they are willing to equally serve every person …
‘Oscar Ayebale (not her real Name), acknowledged receiving services from health facilities but said she was bullied by a health worker and other patients who were in the outpatient department at a certain undisclosed hospital.’[footnote 178]
15.4.8 The SRT May 2024 report noted:
‘92 cases [of] mental and physical health were documented including conversion practices, denial and or failure to access health services, suicide attempts, self infliction of harm, abuse of harmful drugs, anxiety and panick [sic] attacks. These are directly linked with violations, violence and abuses and the general climate of fear propagated by the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023. The right to health is a protected right that is guaranteed to everyone without discrimination. In this period LGBTQ+ persons in some cases were denied dignified health services. In the end they shunned health services from mainstream health providers that propagated hate and violence during the debates and after the passing of AHA.’[footnote 179]
15.4.9 The AI October 2024 report observed the enforcement of AHA 2023, and the NGO Act 2016 ‘has pushed organizations providing sexual health services and counselling to refrain from openly advertising their services online to LGBTQ people, and exposed civil society organizations and human rights defenders to online harassment and other forms of TfGBV, police raids, arbitrary arrest and detention, disproportionate restrictions on their activities, including suspension of registrations, and seizure of their information technology equipment.’[footnote 180]
15.4.10 A Sky News article of 10 February 2025 noted:
‘The health ministry in Uganda has announced its intention to shut all dedicated HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) clinics in the country. Stand-alone pharmacies supplying antiretroviral drugs will also be closed.
‘These facilities provide HIV treatments and preventative therapies to millions of people in Uganda, including an estimated 1.5 million currently living with the virus.
‘An official said the closure of HIV clinics was a necessary response as the country grapples with the loss of funding from USAID.
‘A USAID initiative called the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief - or PEPFAR - has bankrolled much of Uganda’s HIV/AIDS relief plan and it’s an initiative that has wielded impressive results …
‘On 1 February, US secretary of state Marco Rubio issued a waiver exempting the PEPFAR programme from the new administration’s cuts to foreign aid
‘However, President Trump issued a contradictory order banning programmes designed to “advance equality and human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people”.’[footnote 181]
16. State protection
16.1.1 The 20 March 2024 security analysis of Uganda by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), a public-private organisation that promotes security cooperation between the US government and American private-sector interests operating overseas[footnote 182], noted:
‘The Ugandan Police Force (UPF) maintains police deployments in metropolitan areas, especially Kampala, to thwart criminal and terrorist activities. Despite efforts to professionalize and modernize the force, the UPF still struggles with a lack of resources, corruption, and regular reports of human rights violations.
‘General Duty Police staff most police posts. There are many other units within the UPF, including the Counter Terrorism Police, VIP Protection Unit, Criminal Intelligence Division, Forensics Division, Traffic Police, Marine Police, and Tourism Police. These units fulfill specific functions and perform limited duties related to their specialty.
The law allows the military to support police operations to maintain internal security. The Ministry of Defense oversees the army. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There are reports that members of the security forces frequently commit abuses, with only a few low-ranking officers purportedly facing punishment.
‘The UPF can be responsive to most significant reports of crime, but UPF is frequently understaffed, conduct patrol on foot, and lack sufficient vehicles, increasing response times. The typical response is likely to be commensurate to the type of reported crime. Urgent and violent crimes are likely to generate a more efficient response.’[footnote 183]
16.1.2 The Bertelsmann Stiftung a German private foundation that supports evidence based non-profit projects, publishes the Transformation Index (BTI) based on country expert analysis of the country’s progress towards democracy and a market economy[footnote 184]. The BTI 2024 Uganda report covering period 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2023 observed:
‘While the national army and police possess the minimum strength and capabilities required to maintain order and security, there are notable shortcomings within the armed forces. These include a lack of professionalism, instances of corruption and abuse of authority, particularly within the police force. Furthermore, the military is often influenced by political elites, particularly the president, which compromises its ability to provide security in an impartial and professional manner. Incidents of violent crime and armed robberies have at times raised doubts about the government’s control over the use of force.
‘Overall, Uganda’s state exhibits a relatively high level of coercive capacity, effectively maintaining a monopoly over the use of violence, notwithstanding the issue of politicization. This is particularly remarkable when considering the nation’s history of instability and insecurity and when comparing Uganda to its regional counterparts.’[footnote 185]
16.1.3 FH 2024 report noted:
‘The Ugandan judiciary suffers from lack of investment, executive influence, and systemic corruption, which weaken judicial independence. Many critics see the judiciary as a political tool for the NRM, particularly as it consistently rules in line with President Museveni’s interests. High Court justices are selected by the president after recommendation from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC); JSC members are themselves appointed by the president with approval from Parliament.’[footnote 186]
16.1.4 An October 2022 Afrobarometer report summarised findings from its most recent survey of face-to-face interviews with 2,400 adult Ugandans between 7 and 25 January 2022. The report looked into Ugandans’ encounters with and perceptions of the police, finding that:
- ‘About one in five citizens (19%) say they requested police assistance during the previous year …
- Among citizens who asked for help from the police, 53% say it was difficult to get the assistance they needed, and 71% say they had to pay a bribe …
- ‘Three-fourths (75%) of citizens say “most” or “all” police are corrupt – by far the worst rating among key government institutions the survey asked about.
- ‘Only four in 10 Ugandans say they trust the police “somewhat” (16%) or “a lot” (25%). The share of citizens who say they don’t trust the police “at all” has almost quadrupled since 2005.’[footnote 187]
16.1.5 The Advocates May 2023 report noted:
‘LGBTIQ+ Ugandans reported that they distrust law enforcement officials, in part because of law enforcement has targeted them with arrests and prosecution. The LGBTIQ+ individuals interviewed expressed their inability to report criminal cases to the police and government agencies because it would affect them negatively. In some instances, respondents who were victims of crimes and human rights violations did not seek assistance because the violation arose because of their sexual orientation and they feared reporting the violation because of possible further victimization by state officials.
‘In other instances, victims did report assaults and threats to police, but nothing was done, as the police had no interest in identifying or prosecuting the assailants. This situation has only exacerbated since passage of the 2023 Bill.’[footnote 188]
16.1.6 HRAPF June 2023 report covering the period 30th May to 20th June 2023 noted that most of the victims did not report cases of violence or threats to violence to the police because they feared they would be arrested if their sexual orientation and/or gender identity were revealed’.[footnote 189] In another report released in August 2023, HRAPF noted: ‘The trend of victims fearing to report cases to the police for fear of being arrested by the police and retaliation by the perpetrators also continues … Perpetrators continue to be overwhelmingly non state actors …The law is essentially implemented by non-state actors, and the state does nothing to protect LGBTIQ persons.’[footnote 190]
16.1.7 The USSD 2023 human rights report observed ‘… LGBTQI+ activists reported the government did not fully investigate attacks on LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations…’[footnote 191]
16.1.8 The SRT May 2024 report noted in respect to access to justice:
‘The passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) had a direct impact on the right of access to justice for LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda. Increased homophobia meant LGBTQ+ persons were adjudged to be in the wrong even where they were victims. The passing of the law also created fear among LGBTQ+ persons who are not likely to seek formal justice because of the fear that they will be arrested. A total of 32 persons had their right of access to justice affected. The violations manifest in several ways including refusal to record the cases reported by LGBTQ+ persons when they report, fear by LGBTQ+ persons to report cases, and intimidation in cases where cases are reported. Some respondents noted that even when they are victims of a wrong that they did not commit, they tended to be judged. Many times people in places of authority would not be willing to listen to them. The extreme cases of these include situations where the victims of rape could not report for fear of being arrested and situations where people were raped in places where they should have been protected and they could not report such cases to authorities.’[footnote 192]
16.1.9 On 30 September 2024, The Washington Blade, a Washington based an online and print newsletter that provides LGBTQ news[footnote 193] reported:
‘Uganda’s state-funded human rights body has broken its silence on the queer community’s rights by advocating for their protection amid the enacted Anti-Homosexuality Act that is currently under appeal at the Supreme Court.
‘The Uganda Human Rights Commission on Sept. 26 while defending LGBTQ rights asked President Yoweri Museveni’s government to decriminalize homosexuality and other “victimless crimes. Criminalizing such acts often results in unjust and disproportionate punishment, especially for vulnerable groups in our society,” Mariam Wangadya, who chairs the commission, said.’[footnote 194]
16.1.10 The AI October 2024 report noted: ‘In many cases, the state has either failed to act urgently to end violence and discrimination against LGBTI persons or encouraged it through impunity for attacks and stigmatising statements made by public officials that have created an environment conducive to violence against the community and allies.’[footnote 195] The same source further noted: ‘In cases of blackmail by private individuals, state authorities not only failed to effectively investigate them, but were also responsible for creating an environment where these crimes can occur with impunity.’[footnote 196] And that: ‘All 57 LGBTQ persons and HRDs interviewed told Amnesty International that they would not consider reporting TfGBV to the police or seek state assistance. Rampant fears about being disbelieved, outed, blackmailed or arrested themselves under Uganda’s criminal laws were the major deterrents in seeking state support.’[footnote 197]
16.1.11 However, on 26 November 2024, the Washington Blade reported:
‘[A] Ugandan court on Nov. 22 awarded more than $40,000 (Shs 150 million) to 20 men who police tortured after their 2020 arrest for alleged homosexuality.
‘The High Court of Uganda’s Civil Division ruling notes “police and other state authorities” arrested the men in Nkokonjeru, a town in central Uganda, on March 29, 2020, and “allegedly tortured [them]”
“They assert that on the morning of the said date their residence was invaded by a mob, among which were the respondents, that subjected them to all manner of torture because they were practicing homosexuality,” reads the ruling. “The alleged actions of torture include beating, hitting, burning using a hot piece of firewood, undressing, tying, biding, conducting an anal examination, and inflicting other forms of physical, mental, and psychological violence based on the suspicion that they are homosexuals, an allegation they deny” …
‘“Based on the same suspicion (of homosexuality), the applicants were then arrested, taken to Nkokonjeru B police station, and charged with doing a negligent act likely to spread infection by disease,” reads the ruling. The ruling notes the men “were charged” on March 31, 2020, and sent to prison, “where they were again allegedly beaten, examined, harassed, and subjected to discrimination.”’[footnote 198]
17. Shelters
17.1.1 At the end of December 2022, Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) International, a US-based non-profit organisation supporting LGBT+ rights[footnote 199], posted a review of the year, recounting that on 3 December 2022 a mob attacked and seriously injured a resident of the Children of The Sun Foundation (COSF) shelter[footnote 200]. An update posted in the SMUG International Blog at the beginning of March 2023 reported that local authorities threatened and blackmailed COSF regarding its operation and its category of beneficiaries. Additionally, the Local Council (LC) threatened to raid the AB shelter which hosts LGBT+ and albino persons and in February 2023 police raided an activist house which was sheltering LGBT+ community members[footnote 201].
17.1.2 On March 29, 2023, the BBC reported that Uganda has over 20 LGBTQ shelters, each accommodating around 10 to 15 individuals. These shelters provide safety and a sense of belonging, but risks persist, as highlighted by an incident where a mob attacked a shelter resident[footnote 202].
17.1.3 The HRAPF June 2023 report noted that residents of a crisis shelter in Kampala hosting lesbian and bisexual women and transgender men faced repeated threats from a local garbage collection staff member who shouted insults from their truck and, in a particularly hostile incident, ‘threatened to burn down the shelter or to bring men to the shelter to teach them all a lesson that ‘they were women who must be with men.’[footnote 203]
17.1.4 On 10 July 2024 a Kuchu Times, which was founded in 2015 to give voice for Africa’s Uganda’s LGBT+ community[footnote 204], report quoted John Grace the coordinator of Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium (UMSC), an umbrella group that works with independent shelters to provide safe housing to LGBTQ+ people across Uganda saying that the consortium collaborates with over 25 member shelters across Uganda and that UMSC had directly provided shelter to at least 500 people in 2023. Justine Balya the director of HRAPF highlighted that rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments have forced shelters to operate cautiously, as any gathering of LGBTQ individuals becomes a target. Grace noted that openly labelled shelters for LGBTQ people now avoid visibility to reduce the risk of raids and harassment. For safety, some organizations have adopted Uganda’s national colours instead of rainbow themes and retrained staff to ensure privacy. Additionally, due to laws criminalizing LGBTQ associations, many programs and meetings have moved online[footnote 205].
18. LGBT+ organisations
18.1.1 AI October 2024 report observed:
‘The right to freedom of association is guaranteed by the 1995 Ugandan Constitution. However, subsequent domestic laws regulating the establishment and operations of civil society organizations, especially the NGO Act 2016, have resulted in restrictions and regulations that excessively burden civil society organizations and violate the right to freedom of association. The Act established the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO Bureau), which has extensive powers to allow or refuse registration of organizations, a legally mandatory requirement for their operations. The Bureau can impose a series of sanctions on organizations, including suspending their registration, blacklisting them and revoking their registration … In 2023, the Human Rights Committee raised concerns regarding the excessive burden that the NGO Act imposes on organizations and the criminal sanctions applied to NGO personnel for the non-compliance with administrative requirements.’[footnote 206]
18.1.2 On 31 October 2022, CIVICUS reported:
‘On 3rd August 2022, the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO Bureau) … suspended the operations of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) for failing to register with the NGO Bureau. Frank Mugisha, the Executive Director of SMUG, claimed that the suspension was the result of “a clear witch-hunt rooted in systematic homophobia that is fueled [sic] by anti-gay and anti-gender movements”. The NGO Bureau denied a 2012 application to register SMUG because they found the name of the organisation to be “undesirable and un-registrable.”
‘Before the suspension, the police and other authorities harassed SMUG repeatedly. On 19th May 2022, authorities arrested two of SMUG’s employees while they reported the attacks on the SMUG office. They were charged with “promotion of homosexuality and recruitment of people into homosexuality” and were held in custody for four days. Police officers have since launched investigations into three more SMUG employees, including Frank Mugisha, for “recruitment to homosexuality.” SMUG discovered in June 2022 that the NGO bureau had been surveilling their office through a directive by the police …’[footnote 207]
18.1.3 Svenson and others 2024 observed:
‘Before 2009, the struggle for LGBT+ rights was sporadic, fringe, and largely voiceless. The 2009 legislation sparked intense international criticism and local activism, as well as an explosion of Western funding to Ugandan LGBT + organizations. Three years later, there were 24 LGBT + organizations in the country including five targeting queer youth specifically. The first Pride march was organized in 2012, symbolizing the start of a mainstreaming and push towards increased visibility of LGBT + struggles. The mushrooming of LGBT + organizations has continued, and in 2022 Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) got requests from 128 organizations to join their network.’[footnote 208]
18.1.4 The ILGA 2023 report noted:
‘Human rights defenders working on any number of issues, particularly those around the rights of SOGIESC issues, are […] regularly intimidated, investigated and detained, or otherwise have their events and operations disrupted by security forces. In February 2023 local news outlets reported on a leaked report by the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations, which revealed that the government had been closely monitoring the activities of 22 NGOs accused of being involved in the alleged “promotion of LGBTIQ activities” and the “recruitment of minors for homosexuality”. The leak revealed what activists called a “witch-hunt” by the government as part of its renewed effort to further criminalise homosexuality in the country. The leak occurred shortly after the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, publicly directed the Ministry of Internal Affairs to investigate the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) after it had engaged the Kasese Municipal Council in its efforts to approve a by-law recognising sexual and gender-diverse minorities as vulnerable populations in the context of HIV prevention.’[footnote 209]
18.1.5 A report leaked in January 2023 status report by the National Bureau for NGOS about NGOS suspected of involvement in the promotion of LGBT+ activities noted: ‘The NGO Bureau has so far received concerns against 26 organisations suspected to be involved in promoting LGBTIQ activities in the country. Out of which, 4 cases have been investigated and concluded. The remining are still undergoing investigations.’[footnote 210] According to the leaked report, the NGO Bureau halted the operations of SMUG in August 2022 and rejected the registration application of the Robust Initiative for Promoting Human Rights, Tranz Network Uganda and Ubuntu Law and Justice Centre[footnote 211].
18.1.6 For a list of the organisations under investigation see National Bureau for NGOs, ‘Status report on NGOS suspected to be involved in the promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) activities in the country, January 2023.
18.1.7 A March 2023 update posted in the SMUG International Blog reported: ‘Twilight LGBTQ organization in the Kasese district was singled out as an LGBTQ recruiting center. The organization was alleged to be behind an LGBTI by-law in the district. On 25th January, the organization was raided by Police, and members present at the office were questioned about their operation. The organization is under tight surveillance by the district officials and police for the LGBTI agenda in the district.’[footnote 212]
18.1.8 The HRAPF April 2024 observed:
‘The [Constitutional Court’s] judgment [in April 2024 regarding the constitutionality of the AHA 20023] has paved the way for the NGO Bureau to close down organizations that it perceives to be “promoting homosexuality.” The Court of Appeal upheld the refusal of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to register Sexual minorities Uganda on grounds that this would be promoting homosexuality less than a month ago. Organisations providing support services to LGBTQ persons, including health and legal services, those that bring together LGBTQ persons to meet and discuss issues affecting them and those that provide shelter and other emergency services to homeless LGBTQ persons may be further curtailed from doing their work as a result of the court’s decision affirming this law. Indeed, 26 of them, including HRAPF, are already actively being investigated by the NGO Bureau …’[footnote 213]
18.1.9 The HRAPF June 2023 report noted two cases of mob attacks on the offices of LGBT+ support organizations with a view of forcing them to close. In one case, the mob failed to enter but damaged the gate and lights while verbally harassing and threatening those inside and in the second, the crowd broke in, destroying computers, furniture, and data[footnote 214].
18.1.10 The USSD 2023 HR report noted: ‘Local NGOs advocating for the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons faced restrictions and lack of cooperation by the government.’ The report also noted:
‘The government restricted LGBTQI+ organizations’ ability to legally register and operate. The AHA prohibited operation “of an organization which promotes or encourages homosexuality or the observance or normalization” of the same. Prior to the AHA, authorities used provisions of the law to restrict or deny the registration of LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations due to allegations the proposed names of the organizations were “undesirable” and their activities unlawful. The NGO Bureau maintained its 2022 suspension of NGO Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), citing SMUG’s failure to incorporate at the Uganda Registration Services Bureau and to register with the NGO Bureau, despite the courts’ longstanding failure to address SMUG’s appeal of those two bodies’ refusals to incorporate or to register the nonprofit organization. LGBTQI+ activists reported police often failed to investigate attacks on LGBTQI+ advocacy organizations and in September unknown individuals attacked the premises of Trans Network Uganda, set it on fire, and stole official documents. Police told LGBTQI+ activists it was investigating the incident. LGBTQI+ activists reported the NGO Bureau carried out a disproportionately higher volume of inspections on offices of LGBTQI+ organizations, during which some NGO Bureau staff threatened to shut down the organizations.’[footnote 215]
18.1.11 On 19 July 2024 the Washington Blade reported:
‘The licensing, operation, and funding of LGBTQ organizations and other human rights groups in Uganda will now be under the government’s strict supervision.
‘President Yoweri Museveni on July 16 signed the Non-Governmental Organizations (Amendment) Act, 2024, that dissolves Uganda’s National Bureau of NGOs, which regulated the groups. The new law places its work under the Internal Affairs Ministry’s authority.
‘Museveni assented to bill after parliament passed it in April. MPs accused the NGOs Bureau of impeding the monitoring of NGOs activities, such as the promotion of homosexuality, that violate Ugandan law.’[footnote 216]
Research methodology
The country of origin information (COI) in this note has been carefully selected in accordance with the general principles of COI research as set out in the Common EU [European Union] Guidelines for Processing Country of Origin Information (COI), April 2008, and the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation’s (ACCORD), Researching Country Origin Information – Training Manual, 2024. Namely, taking into account the COI’s relevance, reliability, accuracy, balance, currency, transparency and traceability.
Sources and the information they provide are carefully considered before inclusion. Factors relevant to the assessment of the reliability of sources and information include:
- the motivation, purpose, knowledge and experience of the source
- how the information was obtained, including specific methodologies used
- the currency and detail of information
- whether the COI is consistent with and/or corroborated by other sources
Commentary may be provided on source(s) and information to help readers understand the meaning and limits of the COI.
Wherever possible, multiple sourcing is used and the COI compared to ensure that it is accurate and balanced, and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the issues relevant to this note at the time of publication.
The inclusion of a source is not, however, an endorsement of it or any view(s) expressed.
Each piece of information is referenced in a footnote.
Full details of all sources cited and consulted in compiling the note are listed alphabetically in the bibliography.
Terms of Reference
The ‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) provides a broad outline of the issues relevant to the scope of this note and forms the basis for the country information.
The following topics were identified prior to drafting as relevant and on which research was undertaken:
- Legal rights
- Constitution
- Penal code
- Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023
- State and societal attitudes including:
- Government officials
- Political leaders
- Religious leaders
- Society
- Media
- State treatment including:
- arrests
- prosecutions, privacy
- freedom of expression
- Societal treatment including:
- Discrimination
- Attacks and threats of violence
- Conversion therapy
- Forced marriages and corrective rape
- Access to services
- Housing
- Healthcare
- employment
- Education
- Protection
- State protection
- Shelters
- LGBT+ NGOs
Bibliography
Advocates for Human Rights (The Advocates), Uganda’s Compliance with the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights: LGBTIQ+ Rights Submitted by The Advocates for Human Rights for the 138th Session of the Human Rights Committee 26 June - 28 July 2023, 26 May 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Africa Arguments,
About, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
Unpacking the geopolitics of Uganda’s anti-gay bill, 10 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Africa Press, Clerics praise Museveni for signing anti-gay law, 30 May 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Afrobarometer,
Dispatch No. 564 - A few bad apples or a rotten orchard? Ugandans cite brutality and corruption among police failings, 24 October 2022. Accessed 4 December 2024
Dispatch No. 639, Uganda a continental extreme in rejection of people in same-sex relationships, 11 May 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Round 10 (2024-2025) Neighbours: homosexuals (Uganda), November 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Al Jazeera, Uganda’s President Museveni refuses to sign anti-LGBTQ bill, 20 April 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Alliance, Donors need to do better finding and funding grassroots health NGOs for LGBTQ+ people in Uganda, 11 June 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Amnesty International (AI),
The State of the World’s Human Rights; Uganda 2023, 24 April 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Africa: We are facing extinction: Escalating anti-LGBTI sentiment, the weaponization of law and their human rights implications in select African countries, 9 January 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda: “Everybody here is having two lives or phones”: The devastating impact of criminalization on digital spaces for LGBTQ people in Uganda, 23 October 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
BBC,
Uganda Anti-Homosexuality bill: Life in prison for saying you’re gay, 22 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Gay Ugandan asks ‘Where will I go?’ as secret shelters under threat, 29 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda media guide, updated 26 April 2023. Accessed 6 March 2025
Bertelsmann Stiftung, Transformation Index (BTI), Uganda Country Report 2024, March 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
CIVICUS,
About us, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
LGBTIQ+ organisation suspended as protests rise over inflation’, 31 October 2022. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda: ‘Hate speech against LGBTQI+ people comes from religious, traditional and political leaders, 20 June 2022. Accessed 4 December 2024
Daily Monitor,
About, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
Rainbow removed from Entebbe children’s park tower after LGBTQ row’, 2 February 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Catholics mark ten years of Pope Francis, condemn gays, 30 March 2023
Clerics usher in Lent with call against homosexuality, 23 February 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Religious leaders to return anti-gay Bill to Parliament, 16 February 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Edge Media Network,
Who we are, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda LGBTQ+ Leader Says Gay Bill Threatens Homelessness, 23 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Equaldex,
About Equaldex, no date. Accessed 30 January 2025
LGBT Rights in Uganda, 30 January 2024. Accessed 30 January 2025
Erasing Crimes 76,
Human rights advocates condemn Uganda’s ongoing homophobic violence 29 November 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Ugandan activists launch campaign against religion-fueled homophobia, 29 March 2022. Accessed 4 December 2024
Ugandan TV aired highly charged and biased debate on LGBTQ rights, 2 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Freedom House (FH),
Freedom in the World 2023 Uganda, 29 February 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Freedom on the Net 2024 – Uganda, 16 October 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
GATE, Impact of Anti-Gender Opposition on TGD and LGBTQI Movements Global Report, 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
The Guardian (UK), ‘Ugandan president calls on Africa to ‘save the world from homosexuality’ 3 April 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Human Dignity Trust, Uganda updated 4 December 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF)
A legal and human rights analysis of the Ugandan constitutional court’s judgement in the consolidated petitions challenging the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, 5 April 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Report of violence and violations based on real or presumed sexual orientation or gender identity in the seventh month of the coming into force of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 (December 2023), 10 January 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Report of violence and violations based on real or presumed sexual orientation or gender identity during the month of May 2024,11 June 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Report of violence and violations based on real or presumed sexual orientation or gender identity during the month of June 2024,11 July 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Increasing Violence and Violations: The First 21 Days of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, 21 June 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Increasing violence: cases of violence and violations against real or suspected LGBTIQ persons for the period between passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 (21 March 2023) and its coming into force (30th May 2023), 19 June 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Report on violence and violations based on real or presumed sexual orientation or gender identity during the month of October 2024, 12 November 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Report on violence and violations based on real or presumed sexual orientation or gender identity during the month of September 2024, 10 October 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Two Months After: Report on Violence and Violations on the Basis of Real or Presumed Sexual Orientation and/or Gender Identity Two Months After the Anti-Homosexuality Act Came into Force, 9 August 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Human Rights Watch (HRW),
Uganda’s President Signs Repressive Anti-LGBT Law’, 30 May 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda: Court Upholds Anti-Homosexuality Act Entrenches Discrimination, Enhances Risk of Anti-LGBT Violence, 4 April 2024 . Accessed 4 December 2024
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRBC), Treatment of persons based on their sexual orientation , gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC), and treatment of their family members, by society and authorities , including legislation and state protection (2022-July 2024, 29 July 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
The Independent (Uganda), ACP-EU Summit: Uganda to oppose abortion, homosexuality proposals, 1 November 2022. Accessed: 6 March 2025
The Independent (UK), Uganda gay activist blames knife attack on a worsening climate of intolerance, 4 January 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Ingham Kenneth, Maryinez Lyons, M, Semakula, Kiwanuka, M, Land of Uganda, 30 January 2025, Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 31 January 2025
International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA),
Our Identities Under Arrest, November 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
ILGA database - Uganda, no date. Accessed 19 January 2025
Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, About us, no date. Accessed 6 March 2025
Kuchu Times, A Network of Hope: Shelters in Uganda Unite to Safely House LGBTQ People, 10 July 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Let’s Walk Uganda, Who we are, no date. Accessed 6 March 2025
Mamba Online.com,
Terms of use & Privacy policy, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda: MPs claim adult diapers are “promoting homosexuality, 8 May 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Mutebi, E, One year later: the ongoing struggle of LGBTQ+ community under the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda, 30 May 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Open Democracy,
About us no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
It’s a trap’: LGBTIQ+ Ugandans wary of court ruling on right to healthcare, 18 April 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Parliament Watch,
About, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
MPs renew debate on Anti-Homosexuality legislation, 6 Match 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Rella Women’s Foundation (RWF),
About us, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
Economical Impact of the Anti-Homosexaul [sic] Bill (AHB) to the LBQ Community, 13 April 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Reuters, Museveni says Uganda won’t be swayed after anti-LGBTQ law triggers aid cut threats, 1 June 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
SMUG International,
About us, no date. Accessed 6 March 2025
Uganda LGBTQ UPDATE, 1 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda LGBTQ UPDATE, 1 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Effect of Anti-Homosexual Act 2023 in Uganda, 16 June 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
SMUG Int’l Year-in- Review, 31 December 2022. Accessed 4 December 2024
Strategic Response Team (SRT), Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans, May 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Svenson, Jakob, Ednborg, Emil, and Strand, Cecillia, We are queer and the struggle is here! Visibility at the intersection of LGBT+ rights, post-coloniality, and development cooperation in Uganda, 6 February 2024, Sage Journals. Accessed 4 December 2024
Tayeba, Thomas (@Thomas_Tayebwa), X, I am getting painful …, 3.05pm on 24 January 2023. Accessed 6 March 2025
Uganda Broadcasting Cooperation (UBC), President Museveni calls on Africa to reject promotion of homosexuality, 3 April 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS),
Mandate, vision and mission, no date. Accessed 6 March 2025
National population and housing census 2024, Preliminary results, June 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Ministry of Internal Affairs, National Bureau for NGOs, Status report on NGOS suspected to be involved in the promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (LGBTIQ) activities in the country, January 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Judiciary, News release: Constitutional Court pronounces itself on the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 of Uganda, 3 April 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Legal Information Institute (ULII),
Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, last amended 5 January 2018. Accessed 4 December 2024
Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, Act 5 of 2023, 20 May 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Penal Code Chapter 120, 9 May 2014. Accessed 4 December 2024
Registration of Persons Act, 2015 Act 4 of 2015, 26 March 2015. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Police Force (UPF),
Annual Crime Report 2023, 23 February 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Annual Crime Report 2022, 22 February 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Radio Network (URN),
About URN, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
Western Pressure Will Not Make Us Abandon Our Culture – Museveni, 9 October 2022. Accessed 4 December 2024
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Foreign travel advice: Uganda (Safety and security), 6 February 2025. Accessed 6 March 2025
UN Human Rights Council (HRC), Report of the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity: Practices of so-called “conversion therapy, 1 May 2020. Accessed 4 December 2024
UN News, Uganda: Türk dismayed at ruling upholding discriminatory anti-gay law, 3 April 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Uganda: UN experts condemn egregious anti-LGBT legislation 29 March 2023
US Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC),
About us no date. Accessed 6 March 2025
Uganda Country Security Report, 20 March 2024. Accessed 6 March 2025
US State Department (USSD),
2023 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Uganda, 23 April 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices: Uganda, 23 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Voice of America (VoA),
VOA, VOA Mission, no date. Accessed 4 December 2024
‘Gays ‘Deviants’: Uganda’s Museveni’ 16 March 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
Vox,
How an LGBTQ clinic in Uganda keeps going amid rising homophobic violence, 8 July 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda’s anti-gay law will hurt all Ugandans, 16 June 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
The Washington Blade.
Ugandan court awards $40K to men tortured after arrest for alleged homosexuality, 26 November 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda Human Rights Commission asks government to decriminalize homosexuality, 30 September 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
Uganda tightens grip on LGBTQ rights groups, 19 July 2024. Accessed 4 December 2024
World Bank,
Population total Uganda, estimated 2023. Accessed 4 December 2024
World Bank Group Statement on Uganda, 8 August 2023
World Prison Brief,
About the World Prison Brief, no date. Accessed 6 March 2025
Uganda, October 2024. Accessed 6 March 2025
Version control and feedback
Clearance
Below is information on when this note was cleared:
-
version 6.0
-
valid from 10 March 2025
Official – sensitive: Not for disclosure – Start of section
The information on this page has been removed as it is restricted for internal Home Office use.
Official – sensitive: Not for disclosure – End of section
Changes from last version of this note
New COI including information about the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.
Feedback to the Home Office
Our goal is to provide accurate, reliable and up-to-date COI and clear guidance. We welcome feedback on how to improve our products. If you would like to comment on this note, please email the cipu@homeoffice.gov.uk.
Independent Advisory Group on Country Information
The Independent Advisory Group on Country Information (IAGCI) was set up in March 2009 by the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration to support them in reviewing the efficiency, effectiveness and consistency of approach of COI produced by the Home Office.
The IAGCI welcomes feedback on the Home Office’s COI material. It is not the function of the IAGCI to endorse any Home Office material, procedures or policy. The IAGCI may be contacted at:
Independent Advisory Group on Country Information
Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration
1st Floor
Clive House
70 Petty France
London
SW1H 9EX
Email: chiefinspector@icibi.gov.uk
Information about the IAGCI’s work and a list of the documents which have been reviewed by the IAGCI can be found on the Independent Chief Inspector’s pages of the gov.uk website.
-
UBOS, Mandate, vision and mission, no date. ↩
-
UBOS, National population and housing census 2024, Preliminary results, June 2024. ↩
-
Ingham and others, EB, Land of Uganda, 30 January 2025. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6) 23 April 2024. ↩
-
ILGA, What we do, no date. ↩
-
ILGA, ILGA database - Uganda, no date. ↩
-
Uganda Legal Information Institute, Penal Code Chapter 120, 9 May 2014. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ …. (methodology), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (page 19), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
ULII, Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 5 January 2018. ↩
-
ILGA, ILGA database - Uganda, no date. ↩
-
ILGA, ILGA database - Uganda, no date. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2022 (section 6), 20 March 2023. ↩
-
ILGA, Our Identities Under Arrest (page 130), November 2023. ↩
-
UK FCDO, Foreign travel advice: Uganda (Safety and security), 6 February 2025. ↩
-
BBC, Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act challenged in Constitutional Court, 18 December 2023. ↩
-
Uganda Judiciary, News release: Constitutional Court pronounces itself on the …’ 3 April 2024. ↩
-
Human Dignity Trust, Who we are, no date. ↩
-
Uganda Legal Information Institute, Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023 Act 6 of 2023. ↩
-
GATE, Impact of Anti-Gender Opposition on TGD and LGBTQI Movements … , (page 3), 2023. ↩
-
GATE, Impact of Anti-Gender Opposition on TGD and LGBTQI Movements …. , (page 38), 2023. ↩
-
URN, Western Pressure Will Not Make Us Abandon Our Culture – Museveni, 9 October 2022. ↩
-
Erasing Crimes 76, Ugandan TV aired highly charged and biased debate on …, 2 March 2023. ↩
-
VOA, VOA Mission, no date. ↩
-
VOA, ‘Gays ‘Deviants’: Uganda’s Museveni’ 16 March 2023. ↩
-
The Guardian (UK), Ugandan president calls on Africa to ‘save the world from …, 3 April 2023. ↩
-
Reuters, Museveni says Uganda won’t be swayed after anti-LGBTQ law triggers …, 1 June 2023. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (page 55), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
BBC News, Uganda media guide, updated 26 April 2023. ↩
-
The Independent, ACP-EU Summit: Uganda to oppose abortion …, 1 November 2022. ↩
-
Tayebwa, Thomas, X, @Thomas Tayebwa, 24 January 2023. ↩
-
Erasing Crimes 76, Ugandan TV aired highly charged and biased debate on …, 2 March 2023. ↩
-
Parliament Watch, MPs renew debate on Anti-Homosexuality legislation, 6 Match 2023. ↩
-
Parliament Watch, Mps debate on Anti-Homosexuality legislation, 6 March 2023. ↩
-
Parliament Watch, MPs renew debate on Anti-Homosexuality legislation, 6 Match 2023. ↩
-
Mamba Online, Terms of use & Privacy policy, no date. ↩
-
Mamba Online.com, Uganda: MPs claim adult diapers are ‘promoting homosexuality, 8 May 2023. ↩
-
Independent, Uganda gay activist blames knife attack on a worsening climate…, 4 January 2024. ↩
-
Erasing 76 Crimes, Ugandan activists launch campaign against religion-fueled …, 29 March 2022. ↩
-
Daily Monitor, Religious leaders to return anti-gay Bill to Parliament, 16 February 2023. ↩
-
Daily Monitor, Clerics usher in Lent with call against homosexuality, 23 February 2023. ↩
-
Monitor, Catholics mark ten years of Pope Francis, condemn gays, 30 March 2023. ↩
-
Africa Arguments, Uganda: Unpacking the Geopolitics of Uganda’s Anti-Gay Bill, 10 March 2023. ↩
-
Africa Press, Clerics praise Museveni for signing anti-gay law, 30 May 2023. ↩
-
FH, Freedom in the World 2023 Uganda (section F4), 29 February 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023, (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
Daily Monitor, Rainbow removed from Entebbe children’s park towers after …, 2 February 2023. ↩
-
Equaldex, About Equaldex, no date. ↩
-
Equaldex, LGBT Rights in Uganda (public opinion), accessed 31 January 2025. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, Uganda a continental extreme in rejection of sex … (page 1), 11 May 2023. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, Uganda a continental extreme in rejection of people in… (page 2), 11 May 2023. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, Uganda a continental extreme in rejection of people in… (pages 1, 2), 11 May 2023. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, Uganda a continental extreme in rejection of people in … (pages 3, 4), 11 May 2023. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, Uganda a continental extreme in rejection of people in … (page 2), 11 May 2023. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, Analyse online, no date. ↩
-
Afrobarometer Analyse online tool, Round 10 (2024-2025) Neighbours: …, November 2024. ↩
-
Erasing 76 Crimes, Ugandan TV aired highly charged and biased debate on …, 2 March 2023. ↩
-
Edge, Who we are, no date ↩
-
Edge Media Network, Uganda LGBTQ+ Leader Says Gay Bill Threatens … , 23 March 2023. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans, (page 4), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Even the government does not like you homosexuals (page 8), September 2023. ↩
-
GATE, Impact of Anti-Gender Opposition on TGD and LGBTQI Movements …. , (page 38), 2023. ↩
-
Svenson and other We are queer and the struggle is here! …, (pages 6 to 7), 6 February 2024. ↩
-
Svenson and others We are queer and the struggle is here! …, (page 6), 6 February 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (pages 52 to 53), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’: …’ (pages 55, 57), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
FH, Freedom in the World 2024: Uganda (section B4), 29 February 2024. ↩
-
BBC, Uganda Anti-Homosexuality bill: Life in prison for saying you’re gay, 24 March 2023. ↩
-
HRW, Uganda: Court Upholds Anti-Homosexuality Act Entrenches Discrimination …, 4 April 2024. ↩
-
LWU, Who we are, no date. ↩
-
Mutebi, E, One year later: the ongoing struggle of LGBTQ+ community under the …, 30 May 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 6), June 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’… (pages 45, 47), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: “Everybody here is having two lives or phones”… (pages 50, 51), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
UN News, Uganda: Türk dismayed at ruling upholding discriminatory anti-gay law, 3 April 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans, (pages 7, 20), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans, (pages 9), June 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations based on real or… (pages 9, 11), January 2025. ↩
-
Africa Arguments., Africa Arguments, ‘Unpacking the geopolitics of Uganda’s …’ 10 March 2023. ↩
-
HRW, Uganda’s President Signs Repressive Anti-LGBT Law, 30 May 2023. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 1), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 7 to 8), 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations … (pages 3 and 9), January 2025. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations based on real or … (page 9, 12), January 2025. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2022, (page 49), 22 February 2023. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2023, (page 132), 23 February 2024. ↩
-
ULII, Penal Code Act- Chapter 128, Section 134(a), (b), Amended 28 July 2023. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2022, (page 100), 22 February 2023. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2023, (page 132), 23 February 2024. ↩
-
WPB, About the World Prison Brief, no date. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 24), 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 31), 2024. ↩
-
AI, The State of the World’s Human Rights; Uganda 2023, 24 April 2024. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2023, (page 132), 23 February 2024. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2022, (page 100), 22 February 2023. ↩
-
UPF, Annual Crime Report 2023, (page 132), 23 February 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’: The… (page 45), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’… (page 48 to 49), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’… (page 50), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 51 to 52), June 2024. ↩
-
ILGA, ILGA data base - Uganda (restriction on freedom of expression), no date. ↩
-
FH, Freedom on the Net 2024 – Uganda (section B2, C1) 16 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (page 51), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (pages 26 to 27), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
BTI, BTI 2022 Country Report Uganda (page 28), 2022. ↩
-
Erasing 76 Crimes, Human rights advocates condemn Uganda’s ongoing …, 29 November 2023. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 7), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ … (pages 7, 28 to 29), June 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations based on real or … (page 10), 11 January 2025. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations based on real or … (page 10), 11 January 2025. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 7), June 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: “Everybody here is having two lives or phones” … (pages 43 to 44), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 26), 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 7, 28 to 29), 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations based on real or … (page 10), 11 January 2025. ↩
-
Uganda Judiciary, News release: Constitutional Court pronounces itself on the … 3 April 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, Report on violence and violations based on real or … (page 9) 10 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (page 47), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 31), 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 51), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 51), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ … (pages 7, 28 to 29), June 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (page 49), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: ‘Everybody here is having two lives or phones’ … (page 51), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans’ (page 29), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 8), June 2024. ↩
-
Erasing Crimes, Ugandan prison a hell for gay inmates, 13 June 2024. ↩
-
HRC, Report of the Independent Expert on protection … (paragraphs 25, 43, 47), 1 May 2020. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
Daily Monitor, Religious leaders to return anti-gay Bill to Parliament, 16 February 2023. ↩
-
UBC, President Museveni calls on Africa to reject promotion of homosexuality, 3 April 2023. ↩
-
Al Jazeera, Uganda’s President Museveni refuses to sign anti-LGBTQ bill, 20 April 2023. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans’, (pages 29, 30), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans’, (page 35), June 2024. ↩
-
IRBC, Treatment of persons based on their sexual orientation … (paragraph 2.1.1), 29 July 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 27 to 28), June 2024. ↩
-
CIVICUS, UGANDA: ‘Hate speech against LGBTQI+ people comes from …, 20 June 2022. ↩
-
RWF, Economical Impact of the Anti-Homosexual Bill (AHB) to the LBQ Community, 13 April 2023. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 23), 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 31 to 32), 2024. ↩
-
Mutebi E, One year later: the ongoing struggle of LGBTQ+ community under the …, 30 May 2024. ↩
-
CIVICUS, UGANDA: Hate speech against LGBTQI+ people comes from …, 20 June 2022. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
Mutebi, E, One year later: the ongoing struggle of LGBTQ+ community under the …, 30 May 2024. ↩
-
RWF, Economical Impact of the Anti-Homosexual Bill (AHB) to the LBQ Community, 13 April 2023. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 32), 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 20), 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023, (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023, (section 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
Vox, Uganda’s anti-gay law will hurt all Ugandans, 16 June 2023. ↩
-
HRAPF, A legal and human rights analysis of the Ugandan …. (page 10), 5 April 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, A legal and human rights analysis of the Ugandan …. (page 12), 5 April 2024. ↩
-
Open Democracy, It’s a trap’: LGBTIQ+ Ugandans wary of court ruling on right to …, 18 April 2024. ↩
-
Vox, How an LGBTQ clinic in Uganda keeps going amid rising homophobic violence, 8 July 2024. ↩
-
Alliance, Donors need to do better finding and funding grassroots health NGOs for…, 11 June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (page 7), June 2024. ↩
-
AI, ‘Uganda: “Everybody here is having two lives or phones”: The… (page 59), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
Sky News, ‘People will die’: Chaos and mounting fear in Uganda …, 10 February 2025. ↩
-
OSAC, Uganda Country Security Report, 20 March 2024. ↩
-
BTI, Who we are, no date. ↩
-
BTI, Uganda Country Report 2024, March 2024. ↩
-
FH, Freedom in the World 2024 – Uganda, (section F1) 2024. ↩
-
Afrobarometer, A few bad apples or a rotten orchard? Ugandans … (page 2), 24 October 2022. ↩
-
Advocates, Uganda’s Compliance with the International Convention on … (page 7), 26 May 2023. ↩
-
HRAPF), Increasing Violence and Violations: The First 21 Days of the … (page 2), 21 June 2023. ↩
-
HRAPF, Two Months After: Report on Violence and Violations on the … (page 1), 9 August 2023. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (section 2b), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ … (pages 31 to 32), June 2024. ↩
-
Washington Blade, Uganda Human Rights Commission asks government…, 30 September 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 47, 51), June 2024. ↩
-
SRT, Unwanted, outlawed and illegal: The cry of LGBTIQ+ Ugandans (pages 47, 51), June 2024. ↩
-
AI, Uganda: “Everybody here is having two lives or phones”: The… (pages 62 to 63), October 2024. ↩
-
Washing Blade, Ugandan court awards $40K to men tortured after … , 26 November 2024. ↩
-
SMUG, SMUG Int’l Year-in- Review, 31 December 2022. ↩
-
SMUG International, 2023 Uganda LGBTQ UPDATE, 1 March 2023. ↩
-
BBC, Gay Ugandan asks ‘Where will I go?’ as secret shelters under threat, 29 March 2023. ↩
-
HRAPF, Increasing violence: cases of violence and violations against real or …, 19 June 2023. ↩
-
Kuchu Times, A Network of Hope: Shelters in Uganda Unite to Safely House …, 10 July 2024. ↩
-
AI, ‘Uganda: “Everybody here is having two lives or phones” …. (pages 58 to 59), 23 October 2024. ↩
-
CIVICUS Monitor, LGBTIQ+ organisation suspended as protests rise over …, 31 October 2022. ↩
-
Svenson and others, We are queer and the struggle is here! …, 6 February 2024. ↩
-
ILGA, Our Identities Under Arrest (page 131), November 2023. ↩
-
National Bureau for NGOs, Status report on NGOS suspected to be … (pages 2), January 2023. ↩
-
National Bureau for NGOs, ‘Status report on NGOS suspected to … (pages 2 to 7), January 2023. ↩
-
SMUG International, 2023 Uganda LGBTQ UPDATE, 1 March 2023. ↩
-
HRAPF, A legal and human rights analysis of the Ugandan … (pages 12 to 13), 5 April 2024. ↩
-
HRAPF, Increasing violence: cases of violence and violations against real or …, 19 June 2023. ↩
-
USSD, Human rights report 2023 (sections 5 and 6), 23 April 2024. ↩
-
Washington Blade, Uganda tightens grip on LGBTQ rights groups, 19 July 2024. ↩