In May 2023, Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni signed on the world’s toughest anti- gay laws including the death penalty for aggravated homosexuality.
Since then several same-sex relationships victims risk capital punishment forcing several Ugandans into exile.
Police reports reveal that several victims have been arrested while other are on the run.
The latest victims include Gay right activists Norman Ibrahim Muwulize, a former legislator for Buikwe county who has allegedly fled the country with wife Muwulize Grace Mariam.
Family sources confirmed that Muwulize flew out of the country last month fearing to face the wrath of the law. He is accused of supporting homosexuality and advocating for human rights.
“Before he fled, Muwulize a resident of Kikawulo zone, Lugazi Municipality told me that he had been threatened by Local authorities leadership to report his case to police for his support to the Gays”. A family member who preferred anonymity said.
Muwulize attended the eighth parliament, where he was a member of the Equal opportunity Committee and a Human Right defender.
Muwulize’s disappearance follows more than 20 other Ugandans who have since this new law was passed fleeing to various countries fearing to be caught by the new stringent law.
Others on the run include Lydia Nanyombi, 37 who fleed the country after she narrowly scaped security cops who nabbed her ready handed with partner Halima Nabutanda.
The same- sex partners were arrested by security personnel on February 2023 at Buloba Resort, Wakiso district.
Nanyombi a resident of Nsangi town council is suspected to have flown to Canada months for her safety.
Nanfuka Cissy is also on the run after her escape from police cells over gay related acts.
According to police, Nanfuka’s case is even more interesting since she is being haunted by the police and her family members who believe that same-sex relationship is a curse to the entire family.
Metropolitan police spokesman Patrick Onyango clarified that “even if the law was appealed against and it awaits the verdict of the Constitutional Court, it is still acted upon if found in a gay or Liberian act”. Onyango said.
According to criminal lawyer, George Musisi; “Until it is overturned by the appellant court; it is still a relevant law against any persons contravening it”.
Since the law was passed, violence and discrimination has intensified against LGBTQ+ groups, according to a recent report by the Convening for Equality (CFC) coalition. End
