The parliament of Uganda signed the anti-gay bill on March 22nd, 2023 pending the president’s assent. The President has however returned the bill for reconsideration by parliament. The president’s letter was read by the deputy speaker of parliament – Hon. Tayebwa Thomas on Wednesday 26th April, 2023 as he chaired the house.

Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa (R) with the Director, Department of Clerks (Table Office), Rose Ikiror, during the sitting of the House

The president returned bill with proposal for re-considerations for example;

1)The law should not criminalize the state of one having homosexuality disposition but those who engage in and promote homosexuality.

2) Clause 14 and 15 seemed to bring a contradiction; clause 14 imposes a duty on one to report suspect while clause 15 criminalizes false allegations. He advised that this may bring difficulty in implementation.

The president also advised that the bill gives room for rehabilitation for people formerly involved in homosexuality.

Members of parliament were earlier in the week contacted in response to the letter by the clerk of parliament.

“I have been directed by the Rt Hon Speaker to inform you (MPs) that there will be a plenary sitting on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at 10am to reconsider the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023,” the Clerk to Parliament’s statement read in part.

courtesy photo.