Ugandan President assents to anti-homosexuality bill

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has assented to anti-homosexuality bill, despite condemnation of Western countries and human rights activists.

The bill was first passed by MPs in March but was returned to parliament for amendment.

In the new law, the offence of homosexuality is now limited to gay sexual acts and people convicted under this clause face life imprisonment.

The legislation also prescribes death penalty for aggravated offences, in cases of sexual abuse against a minor, a disabled person or where a victim of abuse is infected with a life-long illness.

Members of the public will also be required to report to authorities any form of homosexual abuse against children or other vulnerable people.

A joint statement by Global Fund, US government’s President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) and UNAIDS said in response to the new law that they were “deeply concerned” about its harmful impact.