Two Women Arrested in Uganda After Allegedly Kissing in Public

Police in Arua have detained two women in their twenties after neighbours reported seeing them kiss in public, an act criminalised under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The arrests took place on 18 February after residents photographed the pair outside their home and alerted the authorities. According to police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, neighbours also claimed that groups of women regularly visited the property and stayed overnight, which they interpreted as evidence of same-sex gatherings.

The two women remain in custody without legal representation, and the case has been referred to state prosecutors for review. The Anti-Homosexuality Act, enacted in May 2023, provides for life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations.

It also allows the death penalty in so-called aggravated cases, including repeat offences or acts involving minors. Human rights organisations state that the legislation has led to increased incidents of blackmail, extortion and intimidation.

Campaigner Frank Mugisha, writing on X, said the arrests reflected the risks faced by LGBTQ+ people in the country and noted that many are reluctant to seek assistance for fear of prosecution. The law has been criticised by international bodies and several foreign governments.

The United Nations has condemned the legislation, and a number of Western countries have called for its repeal. The World Bank suspended new lending to Uganda after the law was passed and resumed financial support in 2025.

Ugandan officials have defended the measure, saying it reflects the country’s cultural and religious values in a predominantly Christian and socially conservative society.