This recommendation was presented by Paul Mukiibi, Head of the Departments of Law Reporting, Research & Law Reform at LDC, during a meeting with the Joint Committee of Legal and Gender.
Mukiibi argued that close-age romantic relationships amongst teenagers should not be criminalised, citing the current 18-year jail sentence for defilement as excessive.
Instead, he proposed that such relationships be treated as exceptions, rather than being subjected to the full force of the law.
"We need to rethink our approach to dealing with teenage relationships," Mukiibi said. "Criminalizing these relationships can have severe consequences for the young people involved, and may not necessarily address the underlying issues."
In addition to this proposal, Mukiibi also cautioned Parliament against criminalizing prostitution. He emphasized that provisions targeting prostitution and brothels may inadvertently criminalize individuals who engage in sex work out of economic necessity.
"Addressing social-economic factors is crucial when it comes to provisions on sex work," Mukiibi stressed. "Unless we address the root causes of vulnerability, legislation alone will not be enough to stop sex work. In fact, it may end up disproportionately disadvantageing vulnerable populations."
Mukiibi's proposals were made during the consideration of The Sexual Offences Bill, 2024, which was tabled by Anna Adeke, the Soroti District Woman Representative.
The bill aims to provide a comprehensive framework for addressing sexual offenses in Uganda.