President Yoweri Museveni has assented to the #Anti_Homosexuality_Bill_2023, making it law. The Act effectively renders existence as an #LGBTQI+ person in #Uganda impossible. It shall no longer be possible for queer people to access affirming health care services. This potentially criminalizes masses of the Ugandan population, as well as foreigners residing in Uganda regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Criminalizing #LGBTQI+ people is wholly incompatible with an effective HIV response. While Uganda has made considerable gains in reducing the impact of HIV, men who have sex with men (#MSM), trans people and sex workers continue to be less likely than the general population to access HIV treatment, prevention and care services and will be further threatened by this legislation. Decades of progress in the HIV prevention sector hang in the balance, since best practices on tackling HIV by reducing stigma toward key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and trans people, will be illegal. A prohibition of providing “in-kind” support includes the distribution of lubricants or other products that may benefit LGBTQ people. The law further criminalizes, under Article 11, the “promotion” of homosexuality. Individuals who operate non-profit organizations, and development partners who fund health and human rights work in Uganda, are held personally criminally liable not only for “promoting” but also for “normalizing” homosexuality.

BONELA fervently  condemns the Anti -Homosexuality Act 2023 of Uganda as it is an extreme violation of human rights and threatens to reverse the country’s progress in the HIV response. Uganda’s progress on its HIV response is now in grave jeopardy. The #stigma and #discrimination associated with the passage of the Act has already led to reduced access to prevention as well as treatment services. Trust, confidentiality, and stigma-free engagement are essential for anyone seeking health care. #LGBTQI+ people in Uganda increasingly fear for their safety and security, and increasing numbers of people are being discouraged from seeking vital health services for fear of attack, punishment and further marginalization.

For more information, contact BONELA on:
Katlego Sechele at ksechele@bonela.org  or 72282025
Cindy Kelemi at cindyk@bonela.org  or 72385054