Among the Baganda, Uganda's largest ethnic group, homosexuality was usually treated with indifference.
Similarly to neighbouring Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi, male homosexual relations were quite common in pre-colonial Ugandan society. King Mwanga II of Buganda (ruled 1884-1888 & 1889–1897) kept many male and female servants with whom he had sexual relations. In May 2021, the outgoing parliament passed further criminalization laws on both sex work and gay sex. The British Empire introduced laws punishing homosexuality when Uganda became a British colony. Homosexual relations were accepted and commonplace in pre-colonial Ugandan society. Same-sex marriage has been constitutionally banned since 2005. Households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. Violent and brutal attacks against LGBT people are common, often performed by state officials. LGBT people continue to face major discrimination in Uganda, actively encouraged by political and religious leaders. The law brought Uganda into the international spotlight, and caused international outrage, with many governments refusing to provide further aid to Uganda. The Act carried a punishment of life in prison for "aggravated homosexuality". The Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014 was passed in 2013 and annulled in 2014. Under the Penal Code, "carnal knowledge against the order of nature" between two males carries a potential penalty of life imprisonment. Same-sex marriage constitutionally banned since 2005īoth male and female homosexual activity is illegal in Uganda. Vigilante torture, beatings, and executions are common 7 years imprisonment for "gross indecency".
Up to life imprisonment for "carnal knowledge against the order of nature".
Illegal since British introduced anti-sodomy laws of Penal Code Act of 1950