Uganda’s Constitutional Court is getting ready to examine three petitions regarding a law against homosexuality that was passed in May. The law carries severe penalties, including the death penalty for cases termed “aggravated homosexuality,” which may involve sexual acts with minors or vulnerable individuals. It also applies to instances of forced same-sex relationships, persistent HIV infections, or repeated offenses.
The petitioners, which include individuals and human rights organizations, argue that the law was approved without meaningful input from the public and that it infringes upon constitutional rights and freedoms. Critics have criticized it as harsh, inhumane, and a serious violation of universal human rights.
The petitioners claim that the legal and parliamentary affairs committee did not conduct adequate scrutiny and failed to involve the public enough. They contend that the law violates constitutional rights, including the right to equality, non-discrimination, dignity, privacy, health, freedom of expression, and association.
In August, a 20-year-old man became the first person to be charged with aggravated homosexuality, potentially facing the death penalty.
Reports suggest that this year has seen more than 300 human rights violations against LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda, including torture, beatings, arrests, and involuntary disclosures of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
According to a BBC report, the case has been postponed until next Thursday, according to the petition’s lawyers.