Two Ugandan Women Arrested for Public Kissing Under Anti-Homosexuality Law
Police in Arua City, located in the West Nile region of Uganda, have arrested two women on allegations of practicing homosexuality, a charge that stems from them being reportedly seen kissing in public. This action is in direct violation of Section 2(1)(2) of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, a stringent law that has drawn international criticism.
Arrest Details and Legal Context
A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest to AFP on Tuesday, February 23, 2026, providing official acknowledgment of the incident. The two women, identified as Wendy Faith, a 22-year-old dancer, and Alesi Diana Denise, aged 21, were taken into custody on February 18, 2026, following a complaint lodged by neighbors.
Since their arrest, they have been held in detention without access to legal representation, raising concerns about due process and human rights violations. Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 imposes severe penalties, including up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations, while the charge of "aggravated homosexuality" can result in the death penalty.
Neighbors' Complaints and Evidence
Local police spokesperson Josephine Angucia detailed the circumstances leading to the arrest. She stated that neighbors contacted the police, complaining that the two women were practicing homosexuality and were observed kissing each other in a public setting. To substantiate their claims, the neighbors reportedly took photographs as evidence.
Angucia further explained that the neighbors had raised suspicions about the women's activities, noting that many women were seen entering their one-room rented residence and spending nights there. This led to allegations of same-sex orgies, although such claims remain unverified and part of the ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Human Rights Condemnation
The case has been forwarded to the state prosecutor for "guidance and possible appearance in court," indicating that formal charges may be pursued. Human rights advocate Frank Mugashi condemned the arrest on X, emphasizing that it "underscores the grim reality" faced by victims under the anti-gay law.
Mugashi warned that the law has fueled a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion, with criminals exploiting it as a weapon to prey on the LGBTQ+ community. He noted that victims are often too terrified to seek protection, exacerbating their vulnerability in a conservative society.
Broader Implications and International Response
Uganda is a conservative and predominantly Christian country in East Africa, where the anti-gay law has sparked significant controversy. Its enactment triggered outrage among human rights campaigners and condemnation from international bodies, including the United Nations and various Western countries.
In response to the law, the World Bank initially suspended funding to Uganda, although this funding resumed in mid-2025. The arrest of Wendy Faith and Alesi Diana Denise highlights the ongoing enforcement of the legislation and its impact on individuals, drawing attention to the broader issues of discrimination and legal persecution in the region.
