On March 22, Uganda's parliament passed legislation that further curtails the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) people in the country. Same-sex relations were already criminalized and punishable by life in prison. Under the new legislation, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer can be imprisoned for up to ten years if convicted. The bill also creates the offense of "aggravated homosexuality", which involves sex with minors or when a person is HIV positive, which could be punished with the death penalty.
This bill is a revised and more punitive version of the 2014 'Anti-Homosexuality Act'. The bill was sent to President Yoweri Museveni and awaits his signature or veto. If signed, this will be one of the most extreme anti-LGBTQ+ legislations in the world.
Join the CSIS Africa Program for a panel discussion on the forces driving anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Uganda, the discrimination and fear faced by LGBTQ+ people, and the resistance of the LGBTQ+ community. The panel also will explore how the U.S. and the international community can take measures in solidarity with the Ugandan LGBTQ+ community.
This event is made possible by general funding to CSIS and the CSIS Africa Program.
