Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka Sends Letter to President Museveni Regarding Anti-Homosexuality Bill

The Attorney General, Mr. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, has sent a letter to President Museveni regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023. This development has emerged just before the meeting scheduled for today between Mr. Museveni and Members of Parliament to discuss the future of the Bill.

Mr. Kiryowa acknowledged that he had offered advice to Mr. Museveni, but he did not confirm or deny reports that he had advised the President against signing the contentious legislation.

“Yes, we rendered our opinion to the President in the legislation process and we have carried out our duty,”Mr Kiryowa said in an interview with our reporters. “I don’t discuss my legal opinions that I have rendered to my principal in the media,” he added.

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 was passed by Parliament on March 21, but President Museveni has not yet given his assent to it, turning it into an Act.

On April 18, the government Chief Whip, Mr Hamson Obua, announced that the ruling party will hold a meeting at State House Entebbe at 2pm to discuss various matters, including the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023.

Earlier, on February 16, in a speech to legislators, President Museveni had promised to discuss the Bill thoroughly, without giving a clear indication of his stance on the matter. During a parliamentary appearance last month, Mr Kiryowa expressed his view that the Bill was unnecessary because it duplicated existing legislation such as the Penal Code Act.