UKPC Stands in Solidarity with Uganda’s LGBTIQ+ Community Against the Anti Homosexuality Bill, 2023
Kampala, March 10th
The Uganda Key Population Consortium (UKPC) joins the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda in expressing concern over the Anti Homosexuality Bill, 2023, which was introduced in Parliament on March 9, 2023. As an advocacy platform representing key populations, including the LGBTQ+ community, the UKPC stands in solidarity with the community in opposing this bill.
The joint statement issued by Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community highlights the discriminatory and regressive nature of the proposed legislation, which seeks to criminalise same-sex conduct and sexual and gender identity. It further expands on the previous Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014, which was struck down by the Constitutional Court, and reintroduces the offence of promoting homosexuality, directly targeting LGBTQ+ focused organising.
The UKPC firmly believes in the principles of non-discrimination and condemns all forms of violence against all persons, including children. The proposed bill is unconstitutional and regressive, and if passed, it will have a detrimental impact on public health services, access to justice, housing, association, and conscience, among others.
We urge the Parliament of Uganda to uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, and to desist from legislating hatred towards any group based on propaganda, myths, and personal biases. The UKPC stands with the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda in the fight for equality and the protection of fundamental human rights.