Patricia Nantume, also known as Malaika, was taken into custody in Njeru Municipality, Buikwe District, following allegations of involvement in homosexual activities. She was arrested along with three others during a raid on her massage parlor. The establishment was suspected of offering services related to gay and lesbian relationships.
Nantume, aged 26 and the proprietor of Cloud-9 Massage and Chill Outs in Bukaya West, remains in detention. She faces three counts of homosexuality and one count of trafficking in persons. The presiding magistrate, Egesa Masaaka, stated that Nantume’s case is within the jurisdiction of the High Court. This marked her second appearance before the same magistrate in two weeks.
In May 2023, the Anti-Homosexuality Act became law, imposing life imprisonment for those found guilty of homosexuality and 20 years for permitting homosexual activities on their premises.
The prosecution alleges that between April and August 2023, Nantume and another individual, who is currently at large, engaged in same-sex acts on the premises of her rented house at Cloud-9 Massage and Chill Outs. Court documents also indicate that during this period, she allowed her property to be used for homosexual activities and transported and exploited one of her staff members for sexual purposes.
Consequently, Nantume faces charges of promoting homosexuality, as per Section 11(1)(2)(a) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023), and trafficking in persons, in violation of Section 3(1)(a) of the Trafficking in Persons Act (2009).
During the initial police raid on the massage parlor, four people, including Nantume, were apprehended due to suspicions of providing gay and lesbian services. However, three of the suspects were subsequently released, as it was determined that some were victims who could serve as state witnesses.
The arrest came about after an employee at the parlor reported concerns about illicit activities at the establishment to the area defense secretary. Hellen Butoto, the Ssezibwa Region Police Spokesperson, disclosed that the police raid uncovered various items, including a dildo, two packets of shisha flavor, bottles of oils, two video cameras, and a tripod.
