An “anti-homosexuality” law has just been adopted in Uganda.

It was after a turbulent session that the Ugandan parliament approved a law in March that provides for heavy penalties for those who engage in same-sex relationships. This law was finally promulgated on Monday 29 May by the Ugandan president. Yoweri Museveni Like this “approved” this text, which “now becomes the anti-homosexuality law of 2023”.

Up to 20 years in prison for “promoting homosexuality”

In Uganda homosexuality is already illegal e “acts of homosexuality they are punishable by life imprisonment by a law dating back to British colonization. This new law maintains one provision make “aggravated homosexuality” a capital crime. Therefore, LGBTQI+ people considered “repeat offenders” could be sentenced to death.

But another part of the law worries. According to the text, anyone, person or organization, who “knowingly promotes homosexuality” faces up to 20 years in prison. Organizations face 10-year ban on practicing.

Strong international condemnation

This new law worries many leaders around the world. The president of the United States Joe Biden denounced in a press release a “tragic injury” to human rights. For his part, the head of European diplomacy, Joseph Borrelhe considered the enactment of this law on his Twitter account as “deplorable”.

Humanitarian organizations have also expressed concern. In a joint press release, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the US aid agency USAID estimate that “Uganda’s progress in its HIV response is now seriously undermined”.

For its part, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Monday “dismay” see this “discriminatory” law come into force. Complaint a open door to “systematic violations of the rights of LGBT persons”.

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