Two Women Held for Public Display of Affection in Arua
Police in northwestern Uganda have detained two women in their early twenties after they were allegedly seen kissing openly, in what officials describe as a breach of the country’s strict Anti-Homosexuality Act. The arrests have intensified debate over the law’s enforcement and its implications for personal freedoms.
Allegations Surface After Neighbours Report Public Kiss
According to law enforcement, neighbours in Arua City — located in the country’s northwest — reported the two women, aged 22 and 21, after observing them in a public display of affection. Police allege the women were also engaged in other same-sex acts believed to violate Uganda’s criminal code on homosexuality, prompting their detention on February 18.
Under the current legislation enacted in 2023, same-sex relationships and related acts can attract penalties of life imprisonment, while other “aggravated” circumstances can carry the death penalty.
Controversial Law Draws Rights Criticism at Home and Abroad
The Anti-Homosexuality Act, passed amid controversy, has faced strong criticism from international rights organisations and foreign governments for its harsh punishments. Rights advocates argue the law fosters discrimination and jeopardises basic freedoms, while supporters claim it reflects Uganda’s cultural and moral values.
Human rights groups also warn that enforcement can lead to wider societal repercussions, including intimidation and blackmail against LGBTQ-identified individuals, who may feel unsafe reporting abuses or seeking legal protection.
