Jinja Magistrate’s Court has scheduled February 29 as the date for deciding whether the former deputy head teacher of PMM Girls’ School in Jinja City, Lydia Mukodha, has a case to answer concerning charges of gross indecency and procurement of gross indecency. Mukodha is charged alongside her alleged partner, Martha Naiga, and they were arrested on March 3, 2023, after parents stormed the school following claims circulating on social media about the promotion of lesbianism at the institution.
Both individuals were granted bail on May 6, 2023, after spending over 60 days in remand. As part of her bail conditions, Mukodha was prohibited from accessing her former workplace to prevent interference with investigations.
During a court session on Tuesday, Grade One Magistrate Anxious Atumanya directed the defense lawyer, Robert Esarait, and Jinja Resident State Attorney Moses Atoe to submit their final arguments based on witness presentations by January 31. The State has until February 9 to respond, and a ruling is expected on February 29.
Key witnesses for the prosecution include Joseph Batenga, the chairperson of Jrop Cell in Walukuba Ward, Jinja Southern Division, where the alleged lesbian couple was residing.
Uganda implemented stringent legislation in 2023 that imposes severe penalties for same-sex offenses. Described as one of the harshest laws, it prescribes life imprisonment for convictions related to gay sex and the “recruitment, promotion, and funding of same-sex activities.” The law also allows for the death penalty in “aggravated cases,” such as engaging in gay sex with someone under 18 or involving someone infected with HIV.
