Ugandan Activists Challenge Anti-Homosexuality Act in Court

The law, one of the world's harshest against the LGBTQ community, has led to increased discrimination and international backlash.

A coalition of Ugandan activists, including academics, attorneys, human rights activists, and journalists, are challenging Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act in court, arguing it violates the country's constitution and international human rights standards.
The law, enacted in May, is one of the world's harshest anti-LGBT laws, including the death penalty for 'serial offenders' or for anyone having same-sex relations with a person with a disability, a child, or of advanced age, among others, under the offense of 'aggravated homosexuality'.
The law also targets the 'promotion of homosexuality' and anyone advocating for the rights of LGBTQ people with prison terms of up to 20 years.
Since the law's enactment, local groups have reported a rise in anti-LGBT discrimination, including violence, evictions, loss of employment, and denial of access to healthcare.
In response to the law, the World Bank suspended its lending programs for Uganda, and the United States expanded visa restrictions against Uganda, including officials believed to be responsible for policies or actions aimed at repressing marginalized or vulnerable populations.