May 2, 2023
Uganda’s Parliament on this day in 2023 passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill for a second time, approving amendments to five clauses after it had earlier been returned by President Yoweri Museveni for reconsideration.
The House, chaired by Speaker Anita Among, endorsed revisions proposed following the President’s concerns, particularly on clarifying the distinction between a person’s identity and criminalised acts. Lawmakers backed changes aimed at specifying that the law targeted actions rather than perceived sexual orientation.
Among urged MPs to remain resolute in their decision, warning against external pressure. “I want to urge the Members of Parliament to remain steadfast. No amount of intimidation will make us retract what we have done. Handouts or small envelopes should not be the ones to destroy you. The Western World will not come and rule Uganda,” she said during the sitting.
The revised Bill followed a review by the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, chaired by Robina Rwakoojo, which recommended amendments to improve clarity and address constitutional concerns raised by the President.
Among the key issues debated was a controversial clause on the duty to report acts of homosexuality, which legislators retained with adjustments focused on protecting children and vulnerable persons.
Attempts to block the Bill failed, including a proposal by Fox Odoi to delete the contested clauses and reject the legislation altogether. Meanwhile, Mathias Mpuuga called on MPs to fully understand and defend the law, framing it as part of a broader effort to preserve societal values.
The passage marked a decisive moment in one of Uganda’s most contentious legislative debates, drawing both strong domestic backing within Parliament and significant international attention in the weeks that followed.
