EU Speaks on Uganda’s Constitutional Court Ruling on Anti-Homosexuality Act

The European Union (EU) has reacted to a ruling by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Uganda, upholding the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023.

Signed into law by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in May 2023 and challenged by gay activists, the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) has put Uganda at loggerheads with the EU, among other partners.

On April 03, 2024, Deputy Chief Justice Richard Buteera led a panel of five judges in delivering a ruling on a petition challenging the Anti-Homosexuality Act, considered one of the harshest the world over.

Now, the EU in Uganda has reacted to the ruling expressing concern that Buteera and his fellow Constitutional Court justices did not see anything wrong with a death penalty for those convicted of aggravated homosexuality.

“The European Union in Uganda has taken note of the decision by the Constitutional Court of Uganda to uphold the Anti Homosexuality Act 2023, despite declaring some provisions as unconstitutional,” the EU in Uganda said in a statement.

“The EU restates its position that the AHA is contrary to international human rights law. The EU also regrets the retention of the death penalty to which the EU is opposed in all circumstances.”

The EU in Uganda further noted that it would keep engaging the government om the need to respect the rights of all Ugandans, including homosexuals.

“The European Union will continue to engage with the Ugandan authorities and civil society to ensure that all Ugandan citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity, are protected and treated equally, with dignity and respect.”

Earlier, Andrew Mwenda, one of the petitioners, accused the Constitutional Court judges of relying on rumors to make their ruling. (See Details Here and There).