Why David Bahati, Sarah Opendi, and Asumani Basalirwa Failed to Retain Their Seats

Supporters of Uganda’s controversial Anti-Homosexuality legislation suffered significant losses in the January parliamentary elections, according to official results released amid reports of unrest and allegations of irregularities.

Former Minister of State for Trade, David Bahati, was defeated in Ndorwa County West by Eliab Naturinda Mporera, losing by a significant margin after contesting as an independent candidate. Bahati gained international attention for introducing the 2013 Anti-Homosexuality Act, which he defended at the time, stating, “I am glad the parliament voted against evil.” The law was later annulled by Uganda’s Constitutional Court due to procedural irregularities. During his tenure, Bahati faced criticism from international organizations over statements regarding LGBTQ+ individuals, including calls for severe penalties. He also supported the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act and remained an active advocate for the legislation.

Sarah Opendi was narrowly defeated in the race for Tororo District Woman MP by independent candidate Angella Akoth, losing by just 35 votes in a tightly contested election that prompted subsequent legal challenges. During parliamentary debates on the 2023 bill, Opendi controversially called for the “castration” of LGBTQ+ individuals, arguing that prison sentences would not deter homosexuality. She later stated that her support for the legislation was influenced by a US visa denial to attend a UN event, though officials did not publicly confirm this.

Asumani Basalirwa, who introduced the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill as a private member’s initiative, also lost his seat representing Bugiri Municipality. During discussions on the bill, Basalirwa remarked, “We always talk about human rights, but it is also true that there are human wrongs. Homosexuality is a human wrong that needs to be addressed through legislation.”

The election saw several MPs who supported the legislation voted out, signaling a notable shift in parliamentary representation. Despite these changes, President Yoweri Museveni, 81, secured a seventh term in office, extending his rule beyond four decades amid reports of violence, arrests, and intimidation targeting opposition figures during the election period.