Uganda Arrests Two Women Under Anti-Homosexuality Act

Ugandan police arrested two women in their early twenties on February 18 in the northwestern city of Arua for allegedly engaging in same-sex activities, marking one of the first known detentions under the country's 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act. The women, a 22-year-old entertainer and a 21-year-old unemployed resident, were taken into custody after neighbors reported seeing them kiss in public and suspected other sexual acts at their shared one-room rental home.

Local police spokesperson Josephine Angucia stated that neighbors had complained about the women practicing homosexuality, including frequent visits from other women who spent nights there. Officers arrived at the residence and found the pair in a compromising position on the cement floor, Angucia said. Neighbors had also provided photographs as evidence of the public kissing. The alleged offenses reportedly began the previous year.

The women were released on police bond pending further investigation, and the case has been forwarded to state prosecutors for review and potential court proceedings, according to Angucia. No charges have been filed as of late February.

Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act, passed in 2023 despite...