Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) has released a comprehensive analysis of the recently passed Sexual Offences Bill with special focus on how it affects the now criminalized minorities.
The report tracks the life of the bill right from its introduction on the floor of Parliament by Hon Monica Amoding, the changes that were undertaken after public consultation, the re-tabling of the bill and its eventual passing on May 3rd 2021. The bill is currently awaiting Presidential assent to be enacted into law.
According to the report, an analysis of provisions directly affecting LGBTI persons, sex workers and persons living with HIV/AIDS was conducted. It indicates that all the provisions in the Act affect criminalised and marginalised minorities, just like they affect other persons and groups of persons. There are however particular provisions that affect LGBT persons, sex workers and persons living with HIV directly.
These provisions are discussed together with their implications, having regard to Uganda’s current legal, social and human rights framework in relation to sexual minorities. It is important to note that the 1995 Constitution of Uganda is the supreme law in the country from which all laws and policies should flow.
The report details how this new bill is a regression in the fight to uphold justice and equality for all. Below is the report as released by HRAPF
