The Ugandan Constitutional Court is poised to deliver a verdict on Wednesday, April 3rd, in a highly anticipated case challenging the country’s controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA).
The ruling has far-reaching implications, potentially impacting LGBTQ rights across Africa and Uganda’s economic standing.
The AHA, passed in May 2023, criminalizes same-sex acts and imposes harsh penalties, including life imprisonment for gay sex and death for “aggravated homosexuality.”
This legislation sparked international condemnation and sanctions from the World Bank and the United States, who halted new lending and implemented travel restrictions.
The verdict, expected at 10:00 am local time (07:00 GMT), will determine the fate of the AHA.
A petition filed by a Ugandan lawmaker and LGBTQ activist Frank Mugisha argues that the law violates fundamental rights enshrined in the Ugandan constitution.
The outcome could have a ripple effect, influencing similar anti-gay legislation recently passed in Ghana.
“I am hopeful that the judges will uphold the law and annul this discriminatory act,” said Mugisha, expressing concern that “anti-gay propaganda” may have swayed the court.
A dissatisfied party can appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court, potentially prolonging the legal battle.
