Ugandan authorities have faced criticism for their treatment of LGBT individuals since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was enacted on May 26, 2023. Human Rights Watch released a report detailing widespread discrimination and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Uganda over the past two years.
The 69-page report titled “‘They’re Putting Our Lives at Risk’: How Uganda’s Anti-LGBT Climate Unleashes Abuse,” highlights the role of Ugandan parliament members, government institutions, and other authorities in escalating abuse and discrimination against LGBT individuals. According to Human Rights Watch, the law has significantly worsened existing conditions for LGBT people in Uganda.
“For the last two years, LGBT Ugandans have suffered a range of abuses because of the government’s willful decision to legislate hate against them,” said Oryem Nyeko, senior Africa researcher at Human Rights Watch. He emphasized the need for Ugandan authorities to improve the environment that allows human rights violations and puts many Ugandans at risk.
The report documents how misinformation and hatred were spread by high-profile political figures through traditional and social media platforms. This led to increased attacks on LGBT individuals and rights groups. Researchers conducted interviews with 59 people, including activists, journalists, lawmakers, and representatives from LGBT rights organizations between August 2022 and April 2025.
Human Rights Watch noted that arbitrary arrests and detentions of LGBT individuals were common during this period. The authorities reportedly used entrapment via social media and dating apps to extort money from LGBT people in exchange for their release from police custody. Many victims reported these incidents to police but saw no action taken.
The crackdown also extended to LGBT rights groups providing essential legal, sexual health services, as well as mental health support. The National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organizations and police led efforts to shut down these organizations, arrest staff members, seize equipment, and solicit bribes.
An activist highlighted an increase in threatening calls after the bill was tabled: “Before the bill was tabled [in February 2023], you would receive calls once in a while… But when they started tabling the bill… people would keep on calling you [saying]: ‘We know where you stay. We know what you do.’”
On April 3, 2024, Uganda’s Constitutional Court upheld most provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act despite challenges from human rights activists who argued it violated fundamental constitutional rights. However, sections restricting healthcare access for LGBT individuals were struck down by the court.
Despite reaching out to several government officials with research findings and requests for information—including letters sent to directors within public prosecution offices—Human Rights Watch received no responses.
The organization urged Ugandan authorities to cease their clampdown on LGBT groups immediately; refrain from engaging in anti-LGBT rhetoric; hold accountable those responsible for inciting hatred or committing abuses; repeal both discriminatory laws such as Penal Code provisions criminalizing consensual same-sex conduct among adults; introduce comprehensive equality legislation protecting all citizens regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
“The state-sanctioned bigotry that has only become more entrenched in Uganda over recent years has no place within societies upholding human rights,” Nyeko concluded while urging leaders toward dignity-based futures embracing equality/freedom universally shared across diverse communities residing there today.”
