Uganda’s Sexual Offenses Measure Faces Public Resistance 

KAMPALA, UGANDA - Ugandan lawmakers this week passed a bill on sexual offenses that would increase punishments for offenders and would strengthen protection for victims.  But critics note the measure also would enshrine the criminalization of same-sex relations, sex work and those living with HIV.

Monica Amoding, the legislator who pushed for the Sexual Offenses Act, said that for 10 years there has been a high incidence of sexual offenses, with sexual violence topping the list of crimes that needed to be battled. However, not everyone supported the bill. Under terms of the act, consensual same-sex relationships would remain a crime in Uganda and could lead to 10 years in prison.