Ugandan human rights advocates filed an appeal in the Supreme Court on Thursday challenging a ruling by a lower court that upheld Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, which includes severe penalties such as the death penalty for certain same-sex acts.
In April, Uganda’s constitutional court declined to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) despite arguments from activists that the law violated fundamental rights and was unconstitutional. The court did invalidate some sections it deemed inconsistent with rights to health, privacy, and freedom of religion.
Rights groups report that the law has led to increasing violations against sexual minorities in Uganda, with over 1,000 cases of arrests, torture, evictions, and other abuses recorded in the past nine months.
Nicholas Opiyo, a lawyer representing the petitioners, stated, “We are awaiting directions from the Supreme Court and are hopeful for an expedited hearing of the case,” as reported by Reuters.
The petitioners, which include a lawmaker and prominent LGBTQ rights advocate Frank Mugisha, argue that the constitutional court erred in dismissing their claims that the law violates human dignity and protection from inhumane and degrading treatment, according to court documents.
Under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, consensual same-sex intercourse can lead to life imprisonment, while “aggravated homosexuality” carries a death sentence, among other severe penalties. The law also criminalizes the promotion of homosexuality, with offenders facing up to 20 years in jail.
The West has strongly criticized the law, with the United States imposing travel and trade sanctions on Ugandan officials perceived as anti-democratic, and the World Bank halting new loans to Uganda in response.
