Ugandan police have arrested two women in the northwestern city of Arua after neighbors reported them for engaging in same-sex activity, specifically kissing in public. This incident represents one of the first known arrests linked to the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act enacted in 2023, which has sparked widespread debate both domestically and internationally.
Details of the Arrest and Police Response
According to police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, the women were detained on February 18, 2026, following a tip-off from local residents who claimed the couple was often seen kissing. Officers arrived at the scene and caught the pair "red-handed on the cement floor," as described by Angucia. The women were later released on police bond, but no formal charges have been filed yet as investigations are ongoing.
Context of the Anti-Homosexuality Act
The Anti-Homosexuality Act, passed in 2023, has been a polarizing piece of legislation in Uganda. While it does not criminalize identifying as LGBTQ, it imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality." This term covers cases involving people with HIV, minors, and other vulnerable groups. The law has been supported by many Ugandans who argue it protects children, but it has faced strong condemnation from human rights activists and international observers.
Impact on LGBTQ Community and Broader Trends
Frank Mugisha, a prominent LGBTQ leader in Uganda, stated that this arrest "underscores the grim reality we are facing on the ground under the Anti-Homosexuality Act." He noted a surge in targeted crackdowns that extend beyond arrests, fueling cycles of blackmail and extortion. Additionally, same-sex activity remains criminalized under a colonial-era law that punishes acts "against the order of nature," adding another layer of legal pressure.
Homosexuality is illegal in many of Africa's 54 countries, with nations like Senegal currently seeking to impose harsher penalties for same-sex activity. This case in Uganda reflects broader regional trends of tightening restrictions against LGBTQ individuals, raising concerns about human rights and safety.
