Uganda Makes First Ever Arrests For ‘Aggravated Homosexuality,’

Uganda is making history as they make their first-ever arrests for “aggravated homosexuality,” an offense punishable by the death penalty, under the country’s new controversial anti-gay laws.

According to recent reports out of Kampala, Uganda, two men are facing separate charges of “aggravated homosexuality,” and are possibly facing death thanks to a newly rolled out piece of anti-gay legislation.

The new Anti-Homosexuality Act — which has received widespread support in the country, but faces intense criticism outside the nation — was enacted in May 2023 after being signed into law by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

Reports reveal that the highly-criticized act outlaws gay marriage, punishes same-sex acts with life imprisonment, and calls for the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which includes incest; sex with children or people with disabilities or the elderly; and having sex while HIV positive.

According to officials in Uganda, it has been decades since they last carried out an execution; however, its longtime president has previously threatened to resume state assent for capital punishment, back in 2018.