Two young women in Uganda have been arrested and detained after allegedly kissing in public, an offence under the country's strict anti-homosexuality legislation that can carry a life sentence. Wendy Faith, a 22-year-old musician known as Torrero Bae, and Alesi Diana Denise, 21, were taken into custody following a police raid on their rented room in Arua City, in the north-west of the country.
Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia said the arrests followed community information about 'queer and unusual acts believed to be sexual in nature' and claims the pair were seen kissing 'in broad daylight'. It was also alleged that many women regularly gathered at their residence. The two have remained in custody since the arrest, and it is not yet clear whether or when they will be formally charged.
The case has prompted alarm among rights activists. Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (Smug), said the incident was 'unjust and deeply troubling' and not isolated, with a sharp rise in similar arrests in recent months. He warned that accusations are fuelling blackmail and extortion, placing LGBTQ+ lives in serious danger.
Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed into law in May 2023 by President Yoweri Museveni, is among the harshest in the world, imposing life imprisonment for same-sex relationships and the death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality'. In April 2024, the constitutional court rejected a petition to overturn the law. The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum reported handling 956 cases targeting LGBTQ+ people since implementation, affecting 1,276 individuals.
Activist Hans Senfuma described the arrest as 'a message, loud, deliberate and brutal' to every queer person in Uganda. He said many LGBTQ+ Ugandans are deleting messages, moving homes, and attempting to appear straight out of fear. Human Rights Watch, in a May 2025 report, accused authorities of widespread discrimination and violence since the law's enactment. Mugisha called on police and leaders to stop surveillance and harassment, while Senfuma urged the international community to use diplomatic and funding pressure.
