By Ntombi Mhlongo
The Parliament of Uganda has passed an amended version of an anti-LGBTIQ+ law that had sparked outrage from many NGOs and Western governments.
The Bill maintained harsh penalties for same-sex relationships and the “promotion” of homosexuality. Faced with the international outcry, President Yoweri Museveni asked Parliamentarians on April 26 to re-examine the text, urging them to clarify that “being homosexual” was not a crime but that only sexual relations were.
Africa News has reported that the new version of the text stipulates that “a person who is presumed or suspected to be homosexual, who has not committed a sexual act with another person of the same sex, does not commit the crime of homosexuality.
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Worth noting is that in that country where homosexuality is illegal, acts of homosexuality are still punishable by life imprisonment. This penalty has existed since a law dating back to British colonization. It has been reported that Parliamentarians also maintained, against the advice of the head of state, a provision making aggravated homosexuality a capital offence, which means that repeat offenders can be sentenced to death.
The death penalty has not been used in Uganda for years. A provision on the “promotion” of homosexuality also worries gay rights organizations. According to the law, anyone – individual or organization – who “knowingly promotes homosexuality” can be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. If it is an organization, it risks a ten-year ban.
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Meanwhile, Parliamentarians also amended a provision on “the duty to report acts of homosexuality” which, according to Museveni, presented constitutional challenges and could be a source of conflict in society.
The reporting requirement, which carries a penalty of five years in prison, is now limited to suspected sexual offences against children and vulnerable persons.
“We have a culture to protect. The western world will not come and rule Uganda,” the Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among was quoted as having said after the vote on the text, which was approved unanimously minus one vote.