Deputy Speaker Says Passing of Anti-Gay Act is 11th Parliament’s Pinnacle Achievement

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has lauded the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 as one of the highlights of the 11th Parliament’s achievements.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Christmas Carols event organized by the Anglican Church, Tayebwa revealed that receiving expressions of gratitude, a rare occurrence, contributed to the significance of the controversial legislation.

Tayebwa acknowledged to the Archbishop COU his Grace, Kazimba Mugalu, the difficulties of decision-making in the Parliament, saying the unexpected positive response to passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act is positively over whelming.

“This House isn’t very easy your Grace, it is very difficult to make a decision here and you receive a call to say thank you. And that is why this year has really been great for us, at least there is one decision we made and we received a call to say thank you. And that is passing the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Someone else would say, what else would you have done, that is what you are supposed to do. But when you fail, they roast you,” said Tayebwa.

The legislation, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023, drew widespread condemnation from Western governments and human rights activists.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” Such cases involve same-sex relations with HIV-positive individuals, children, or other vulnerable persons. Attempted aggravated homosexuality can lead to a 14-year prison sentence, while engaging in gay sex may result in life imprisonment, and attempting same-sex relations can lead to 10 years behind bars.

In a defiant response to the United States’ decision to impose a visa ban on 348 MPs who supported the Act recently, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among staunchly defended the legislation. Among expressed pride in the law’s enactment and thanked the President for his support.

Amid concerns about the U.S. blacklist, Among asserted, “My visa was cancelled, have I died? So long as you don’t cancel the visa to Bukedea and Buyende, I have my home. I will go there freely.” She dismissed worries, emphasizing the protection of the family and children’s rights.

Asuman Basalirwa, the MP behind the Anti-Homosexuality Act, refuted claims that President Museveni influenced MPs and urged them to resist intimidation. He said the financial and influential clout of forces promoting homosexuality, should not cause them to fear but stand firm against external pressures.