The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) urges Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni not to sign into law the Anti-Homosexuality Bill that stipulates a sentence of life imprisonment for ‘aggravated homosexuality’ in Uganda.
International Bar Association (IBA) Executive Director Dr Mark Ellis said, ‘The Anti-Homosexuality Bill represents an attack on human dignity and fundamental freedoms in Uganda. It is extremely concerning that President Museveni has signalled his intent to sign this Bill into law. I urge him not to do so and to keep in mind that the rule of law serves to protect the fundamental freedoms of citizens.’
The Anti-Homosexuality Bill was passed by the Ugandan Parliament on Friday 20 December 2013, after nearly four years under parliamentary debate. In addition to specifying life imprisonment for ‘aggravated homosexuality’, the Bill includes provisions that criminalise ‘promoters of homosexuality’, anyone officiating a same-sex marriage ceremony, and anyone who fails to report ‘the commission of any offense under this Act’.
IBAHRI Co-Chair Sternford Moyo commented, ‘This Bill violates multiple rights and freedoms guaranteed to Ugandan citizens under international human rights law and the Ugandan Constitution. Article 21 of the 1995 Constitution provides for equality before the law in “all spheres of political, economic, social, and cultural life” and “in every other respect”. In addition, Uganda is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with no reservations, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee freedom from discrimination.’ He added ‘The IBAHRI strongly urges President Museveni to reject the Bill and to uphold Uganda’s international and Constitutional obligations.’
