Two women in their 20s have been arrested in Arua, northwestern Uganda, following allegations that they engaged in a public display of affection.
According to police, the arrest followed complaints from neighbours who claimed the pair had been seen kissing in public and were involved in a same-sex relationship. Authorities said the women are currently in custody as investigations continue.
Police spokesperson Josephine Angucia confirmed that residents provided photographs they alleged supported the claims. Some neighbours also reportedly raised concerns about frequent visits by different women to the suspects’ one-room apartment.
⚖️ Legal Context in Uganda
Uganda has some of the strictest laws in the region regarding same-sex relationships. The country passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which criminalizes same-sex relations and includes severe penalties.
Under Ugandan law:
Same-sex conduct is illegal
Promotion of homosexuality can attract criminal penalties
Public morality provisions may also be invoked in certain cases
The law has drawn international attention and criticism from human rights organizations, while Ugandan authorities have defended it as reflecting the country’s cultural and social values.
🌍 Broader Debate
Cases such as this often reignite debate around:
LGBTQ+ rights in Africa
Privacy and personal freedoms
The role of community reporting in law enforcement
International relations and human rights concerns
Human rights advocates argue that such arrests raise concerns about privacy, discrimination, and due process. Supporters of the law maintain that it enforces Uganda’s existing legal and moral framework.
🔎 What Happens Next?
Police have stated that investigations are ongoing. The outcome will depend on prosecutorial decisions and applicable legal provisions under Ugandan law.
