Media Advisory on Uganda: With 2 Days to go, President Museveni Must Veto Anti-Homosexuality Bill

“This deeply offensive piece of legislation is an affront to the human rights of all Ugandans and should never have got this far,” said Gemma Houldey, Amnesty International’s Uganda Researcher. 

“This legislation will institutionalize hatred and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in Uganda. Its passage into law signals a very grave episode in the nation’s history.” 

“The Anti-Homosexuality Bill will further criminalize consensual sexual activity between adults of the same sex, with some offences carrying life imprisonment. It also includes offences such as ‘promotion of homosexuality’, which will directly impact human rights defenders and healthcare providers. It makes a mockery of the rights enshrined in the Ugandan constitution.” 

Uganda has made important progress on human rights in recent years, including criminalizing torture, but this Bill is a giant step backwards.

President Museveni has until 23 February to sign, veto or amend the bill. If he does not act it will default into law.

Amnesty International has a team of experts available for comment.

For further comment please contact: 

Michelle Kagari: +254 721401592, Tel: +254 20 4283002, skype: michellekagari 

Sarah Jackson: +256-772-722-919 

Gemma Houldey: Tel: +44 20 3 036 5917, + 44 7867 425 322 Skype: gemma.houldey