President Yoweri Museveni has signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2023 into law, thereby transforming it into the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023.
The announcement of this development was made by Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, who stated, “His Excellency, General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda, has fulfilled his constitutional duty in accordance with Article 91 (3) (a) of the Constitution. He has assented to the Anti-Homosexuality Act.”
According to the Speaker, the Parliament of Uganda has responded to the concerns raised by Ugandans.
“We have enacted legislation to safeguard the integrity of the family, in line with Article 31 of the Ugandan Constitution. We have remained resolute in upholding our culture and fulfilling the aspirations of our people, as outlined in objectives 19 and 24 of the national objectives and directive principles of state policy,” she explained.
In March of this year, Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, awaiting only the President’s endorsement to become law.
However, in April, President Museveni returned the bill to Parliament, requesting amendments that would distinguish between self-identification as LGBTQ and engaging in homosexual acts.
After due reconsideration, Parliament revised the bill and approved it with amendments on May 2.
Under the newly enacted law, individuals who knowingly allow their premises to be used for homosexual activities face a seven-year prison sentence upon conviction. Additionally, those who possess knowledge of homosexual acts and fail to report them are subjected to a fine of Shs10 million or imprisonment for up to five years.
Also, a person found guilty of aggravated homosexuality will face a death penalty while an individual convicted for promoting homosexuality faces a 20-year prison term.