The United Kingdom through her Minister of State (Development & Africa), Andrew Mitchell has reacted to the Ugandan Parliament who has passed legislation, imposing penalties against homosexuality.
On his social media platform on Wednesday, UK Minister, Mitchell said the United Kingdom is deeply disappointed by the Ugandan Parliament’s decision to pass the Anti-Homosexuality Bill.
On Tuesday, Uganda’s Parliament swiftly passed legislation imposing stricter penalties on people engaging in same-sex activities, despite minor opposition within the House.
It was overwhelmingly voted to pass the Anti Homosexuality Bill of 2023 which redefines and criminalizes different aspects of homosexuality and related sexual offense.
A total of 389 members attended the session, well above the 176 or a third of the voting members needed to pass the bill.
The Anti Homosexuality Bill, which was moved by opposition MP Hon Asuman Basalirwa of the Jeema party, generated uncharacteristic support from both sides of the House.
The Speaker, Anita Among, declared that the House would not hesitate to restrict any rights that contradict Uganda’s sovereignty, morals, and culture.
The new law includes a 10-year prison sentence for LGBTQ individuals or anyone involved in same-sex relationships.
It was reported that anti-gay law was previously invalidated by a court in 2014 after it was signed into law by President Museveni, but returned to the 11th Parliament with nearly full attendance, including some MPs joining via Zoom.