Landmark Case Dropped: Aggravated Homosexuality Charges in Uganda

A Ugandan court has dismissed charges against a young man accused of 'aggravated homosexuality,' a crime that could result in the death penalty under the country's controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act.

This legislation, enacted in 2023, has drawn international disapproval for its harsh penalties against the LGBT community, including life imprisonment for same-sex relations and death in severe cases involving repeat offenses or vulnerable individuals.

The case, involving a 20-year-old from Soroti, was dropped after a magistrate deemed the accused of unsound mind after nearly a year of remand. The dismissal comes amid broader international criticism and financial consequences for Uganda, including funding suspensions and visa restrictions.