In Uganda, the year 2024 has proven to be incredibly challenging for human rights activists, especially those dealing with sexual minorities.
It has been marked by violent incidents such as the brutal attack on activist Steve Kabuye. This serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive risks faced by sexual minorities and advocates in the country.
Meanwhile, few people may recall the plight of Michael Opolot, who was remanded for 350 days on grounds of homosexuality by a court in Soroti until his release on bail in 2024.
The fact that Opolot spent 350 days on remand without trial highlights the lack of transparency in the Ugandan judicial system. Moreover, it is important to note that Opolot was subjected to forced anal examinations, an inhumane and unjust practice.
It is deeply unfortunate that he endured such treatment, which reflects the broader challenges faced by sexual minority individuals in Uganda, who are often subjected to prejudice and harmful assumptions.
On a general scale, significant setbacks occurred in critical legal cases, including the Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) v. Uganda Registration Service Bureau (URSB) registration case, where the court’s decision fell short of expectations. However, we are now at the Supreme Court and firmly believe that SMUG deserves to be registered and allowed to operate due to its critical role in advancing the rights of sexual minorities.
In the same vein, the ongoing enforcement of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) of 2023, despite last year’s Constitutional Court nullification of certain sections, has further deepened the struggles faced by sexual minorities.
So, our arguments in the Supreme Court to nullify the law are solid and well-grounded. First, the manner in which the Act was passed by Parliament revealed significant homophobia and transphobia, highlighting clear bias and a lack of impartiality. Such a process fails to uphold the principles of fairness and inclusivity expected in legislative processes.
Additionally, provisions like the death penalty are not only extreme but also fundamentally contravene the Constitution, which is designed to protect the human rights of all individuals.
This includes the rights to equality and non- discrimination, personal liberty, and protection under the law, regardless of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, the AHA’s significant setback for sexual minorities is the ongoing exodus of many human rights defenders and activists fleeing the country due to safety concerns and trauma/burnout.
Although there have been occasional directives from the state to ensure non-discrimination and halt the implementation of the AHA, the year 2024 witnessed an increase in the weaponisation of sexual minorities by certain politicians spreading hate, misinformation, and disinformation.
Despite these challenges, glimmers of hope emerge from the visibility and courage displayed by sexual minorities and global allies. In 2024, the international community expressed support through various remedies, including travel bans targeting specific Ugandans involved in human rights violations, as well as public condemnation of discriminatory laws.
Now, I know many ordinary people may wonder how the enactment of the AHA has affected Uganda’s image in the international community.
Firstly, statistics show it has led to a decline in tourism, as many international travellers and organisations are hesitant to visit a country with such repressive laws. What’s more, the World Bank has suspended lending to the country, which has disrupted funding for critical development projects.
According to a report by Open for Business, it is estimated that in the 12 months following the AHA’s passage, Uganda has made an economic loss of between $470 million and $1.6 billion. This comprises 0.9–3.2% of gross domestic product (GDP).
Secondly, foreign investment has been negatively impacted. Many companies and investors are increasingly considering human rights records as part of their investment criteria, and the anti-gay law has made Uganda less attractive to potential investors.
Lastly, the law has fostered an environment of fear and discrimination, which can stifle innovation and entrepreneurship among LGBTQ entrepreneurs and limit the human resource pool, further limiting economic contributions from a segment of the population.
Looking ahead, I am hopeful and optimistic that 2025 will be a significant year for Ugandan sexual minorities. I believe we will achieve notable progress, particularly with the pending lawsuits that have the potential to challenge oppressive laws and set positive precedents.
These legal victories could pave the way for greater protection and recognition of the rights of sexual minorities in Uganda. Nonetheless, I worry about the continued weaponisation and scapegoating of LGBTQ persons by politicians, especially now that we are moving into the political election period.
I am concerned that politicians will continue to use homophobia and transphobia to gain popularity. On a personal note, I advise young human rights activists in Uganda to prioritise collective action by working together with fellow activists and seeking mentorship and support.
Collaboration is key to building stronger, more impactful movements. Activism is rarely an easy path, particularly in a country like Uganda, where restrictive laws hinder advocacy. However, persistence and solidarity can drive meaningful change.
The author is a human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize nominee
“According to a report by Open for Business, it is estimated that in the 12 months following the AHA’s passage, Uganda has made an economic loss of between $470 million and $1.6 billion. This comprises 0.9–3.2% of gross domestic product (GDP).” we would rather be poor than have some crazy people manipulate our children into homosexuality for financial gains.
You need to read about the debate on homosexuality in the US now and understand that this thing of one being born a homo is largely a hoax…mbu advocates of sexual minorities…who advocates for heterosexuals?
Even heterosexual genitals are examined by police in sexual related offences? So since the anus is what you use for sex, it should be examined to prove sex and penetration…why would you be ashamed of that?
Why force homosexuality on to ugandans? The west and their so called human Rights activists are so obsessed with homosexuality as it is the only problem facing humanity.
I wonder why they even exaggerate the scale of how they are discriminated against. Ugandans don’t mind about peoples sexuality unless the parties involved become exhibitionists about it.
Iam a victim of physical violence fueled by that repressive draconian law. I’m not even homosexual but a transgender man. You have no idea how much people born different in this country suffer due to hate, ignorance and fear to accepting that gender and sexual minorities are part of human diversity.
Stop being rigid y’all. Science doesn’t give a fuck what you believe in. Because our existence is scientifically and biologically proven. Reading edifies your mind. Leave politics aside. We are talking about human beings God created differently. You think we don’t have mothers who have watched us grow looking and acting different right from when we were toddlers?
Grow up. Nobody forced me to be transgender. I was born this way and doctors have proven it in Mulago hospital. Y’all just typically hateful and rigid. Btw intellectually static too. Wait till your relative or child identifies as different.
Then you’ll know what it means to protect them from hateful people. Plus why should someone’s bedroom issues be of your concerns? Consenting adults having their time together seriously?
Also, we condemn any sex activities on children. Kids must not practice sex whether heterosexual or homosexual sex. Kids are kids and we protect them at any cost.
Well said Dr. Frank. We need to grow into a more progressive and more inclusive country respecting and protecting all the citizens.
Else, Uganda can’t move forward harassing and targeting minority populations.