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Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act challenged in Constitutional Court

The law has caused global outrage, with the World Bank halting new loans to Uganda and the US imposing visa restrictions on key officials.

Anyone convicted of being involved in homosexual acts face life imprisonment under the law which was enacted in May.

Rights groups have asked judges to annul the law, arguing that it violated the right to equality and dignity.

The government is defending the case in the Constitutional Court, saying the law protects traditional family values.

Known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act, the law imposes the death penalty for so-called “aggravated” cases, which include having gay sex with someone below the age of 18 or where someone is infected with a life-long illness such as HIV.

An overwhelming majority of lawmakers voted for it in parliament, and it came into effect after President Yoweri Museveni approved it.

In August, a 20-year-old was the first to be charged with “aggravated homosexuality” after being accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 41-year-old.

No further details were given of the case, which was expected to be heard in the High Court as it involved an alleged capital offence.

Uganda has not carried out an execution since 2005.

A recent report by rights groups said that more than 300 human rights abuses have been recorded against LGBTQ+ people in Uganda in the first eight months of this year – including beatings, torture, arrests and evictions from homes.

The US has responded to the legislation by saying that Ugandan goods will stop receiving preferential access to its markets from next year because of its human rights record.

Uganda’s government has remained defiant, saying it will not bow to foreign pressure.

Many people in Uganda are socially conservative, and support the legislation.

 

Source: bbc.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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