Uganda Grants Bail to Two Women Arrested for Kissing, But They Still Face Life in Prison

In Uganda, two women arrested in February over allegations that they kissed in public have been released on bail while awaiting trial. According to MambaOnline , they are 22-year-old Wendy and 21-year-old Diana.

Police detained them on 18 February after raiding their room in the northern city of Arua following a complaint from neighbours. Officers accused them of “practising homosexuality,” “queer and unusual acts believed to be sexual in nature,” and “openly kissing each other in broad daylight.”

Activist Frank Mugisha said the women are now home with their families, but the case remains open. He said charges under the Anti-Homosexuality Act are still active, and the date of the next court hearing is not yet known.

Mugisha and Amnesty International Eastern Africa called on the authorities to drop the charges. Amnesty also renewed its call for Uganda to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act and ensure equal legal protection for all people regardless of sexual orientation.

The law has been in force in Uganda since May 2023. It provides for life imprisonment for same-sex relations and the death penalty for so-called “aggravated homosexuality.” Human rights groups say that since it took effect, hundreds of violations targeting LGBT people have been recorded, including arrests, evictions, forced anal examinations, and torture.