KAMPALA, May 30 (NNN-GNA) — Despite international criticism, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a controversial anti-homosexuality bill into law.
The new legislation limits the offence of homosexuality to gay sexual acts, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Aggravated offences, such as sexual abuse against minors or disabled individuals, or infecting a victim with a lifelong illness, can result in the death penalty.
The law also mandates reporting of any homosexual abuse against children or vulnerable individuals. International organizations expressed deep concern over the law’s impact on health education and outreach programs for AIDS and the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals.
The law is expected to face legal challenges, as a similar bill was invalidated by Uganda’s constitutional court in 2014.
President of the United States Joe Biden has demanded the repeal of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law, barely a day after it was signed.
The White House, on May 29, published a statement in which Biden referred to the new law as a tragic violation of universal human rights.
He also described it as wrong and called for its repeal immediately.
The US government also listed a number of economic sanctions Uganda will be subjected to adding that visa sanctions will be imposed to officials over the law and instances of corruption. — NNN-GNA
