Two young women in Uganda have been arrested and could potentially be sentenced to life in prison after being accused of kissing in public. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates who condemn the nation’s stringent legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
The individuals, identified as Wendy Faith, 22, and Alesi Diana Denise, 21, were taken into custody last week in Arua City, located in northwestern Uganda. Police stated they acted on community reports alleging “queer and unusual acts” and that the women were seen kissing during the day. Authorities further claimed their residence was a gathering point for other women, leading to their arrest on allegations of practicing homosexuality.
They remain detained, and it is unclear when formal charges will be filed.
This case falls under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, enacted in 2023, which is considered one of the most severe laws of its kind globally. It mandates life imprisonment for consensual same-sex conduct and includes provisions for the death penalty in certain aggravated cases.
Local rights organizations report a troubling surge in arrests, harassment, and extortion targeting individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation since the law took effect. One group documented nearly a thousand related cases affecting over 1,200 people in a recent period.
Activists describe an atmosphere of profound fear and grief within the community. They argue that arrests like this are not isolated but part of a systematic campaign of intimidation, forcing many to conceal their identities, sever relationships, and live in constant anxiety for their safety.
Following the law’s passage, Uganda’s constitutional court upheld the legislation last year, dismissing a legal challenge. International human rights monitors have since accused Ugandan authorities of fostering widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
Calls are mounting for the immediate cessation of state-sanctioned surveillance and harassment. Advocates are also urging sustained international pressure and the use of diplomatic and economic tools to address what they describe as a brutal crackdown on fundamental human rights.
