Parliament to Vote on Anti-Homosexuality Bill Today, Amidst Mixed Reactions.

Today, Parliament is scheduled to hold a vote on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023. There have been diverse reactions from different interested parties towards this development.

As per the Order Paper for today's session, the Bugiri Municipality lawmaker, Mr Asuman Basalirwa, will present the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 for its second and third readings.

It is still uncertain whether the voting will involve a show of hands, as was previously suggested by the Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Anita Among, who has repeatedly expressed her determination to ensure the passage of the Bill regardless of the circumstances.

One of the key objectives of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 is to outlaw same-sex sexual activity. Additionally, the Bill aims to enhance Uganda's ability to counter both domestic and foreign threats to the heterosexual family unit.

It also seeks to preserve traditional and cultural values, and to safeguard young people and children from engaging in homosexual practices by imposing sanctions on those found guilty of such acts.

If the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023 is passed in its present state, individuals such as homosexuals, landlords who rent to homosexuals, brothel owners, CEOs of organizations that promote LGBTQ+ rights, journalists, and film directors who cover LGBTQ+ issues could face imprisonment or fines.

The penalties range from Shs5m to Shs100m. The offenses of engaging in homosexuality or attempting/aggravating homosexuality will be punishable by a maximum jail term of ten years. Furthermore, any entity found promoting homosexuality will be fined Shs100m.

However, during his appearance before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee last week, the Attorney General, Mr Kiryowa Kiwanuka, expressed a different opinion from some ministers who supported the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Mr. Kiwanuka argued that the Bill was unnecessary as it duplicated several offenses that are already covered by existing laws.

During the same committee meeting, Members of Parliament and academic scholars presented contrasting opinions regarding the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. Some lawyers advised that the Bill be dismissed, citing existing severe punishments for aggravated sexual offenses, including those committed against minors.

Additionally, lawyer Male Mabirizi went to court to request the Bill's annulment, alleging that Speaker Anita Among, who should remain impartial, is biased in favor of the Bill's passage, among other reasons.