The Ugandan government stated that it has no plans to challenge the recent court ruling that invalidated several provisions of the anti-homosexuality law, the local media reported on Monday.
The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, told the media that they have an additional 14 days to decide whether to file an appeal against the four Constitutional Court-prohibited provisions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act.
“The judgment is largely in our favor, but we are going to study it and take a decision. At this point, we don’t have any intentions of appealing but we are still studying it,” he was quoted as saying.
Last Wednesday, a panel of five justices essentially upheld the anti-homosexuality law by a unanimous vote, citing its consistency with national values and the constitution.
Nevertheless, certain provisions of the legislation that had been rendered illegal by the justices were struck down as they infringed the right to health, privacy, and freedom of religion. These provisions prohibited the leasing of properties for homosexual purposes, the failure to report acts of homosexuality to police, and engaging in homosexual activities that can result in spreading a terminal illness by another individual.
Following the court's verdict, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who was presiding over the House, welcomed the ruling, saying that as legislators, they had fulfilled their role in passing the law in question, the media reported.
“For us, we are celebrating on our side but the Attorney General needs to internalize and see whether even nullified sections can be reinstated because he is our lead lawyer,” he reportedly added.
The petitioners now intend to appeal the Constitutiona Court's decision.
In 2023, Ugandan MP Asuman Basalirwa introduced the Anti Homosexuality Bill in response to public outrage at the alleged recruitment of school-age children in same-sex behaviors.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill in late May of last year. The law prohibits same-sex relationships and stipulates the death penalty for some crimes, including engaging in homosexual acts with a minor.
Shortly after that, the East African country faced criticism from Western governments and organizations, such as the United States, which implemented multiple rounds of visa restrictions on Ugandan officials responsible for enforcing the anti-gay legislation.
Basalirwa earlier told Sputnik Africa that the US sanctions and bans on officials involved in the bill are motivated by Washington's desire to get the government to change its position on homosexuality.