On Wednesday, Uganda's Constitutional Court—which upholds some of the world's most severe anti-gay laws—will issue a historic decision in a case challenging those laws.
When the law was passed in May last year, it infuriated Western nations, the UN, and human rights advocates.
Known as the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, it includes provisions that make "aggravated homosexuality" an offense punishable by death and imposes sentences of up to life in prison for consensual same-sex relationships.
The government of President Yoweri Museveni has adopted a defiant stance, with representatives charging that the West is attempting to coerce Africa into legalizing homosexuality.
Did you read this?
The decision of the Constitutional Court in Kampala is expected to be announced on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. (0700 GMT), as deputy registrar Susanne Okeny Anyala declared on Tuesday.
Two law professors from Makerere University in Kampala, ruling party lawmakers, and human rights advocates hoping to repeal the law filed the lawsuit.
They claim it infringes upon fundamental liberties protected by the Ugandan constitution, such as the right to privacy and the absence of discrimination.
Additionally, according to the petitioners, it violates Uganda's obligations under international human rights law, such as the UN convention against torture.
When it renders its eagerly awaited decision, the court will decide whether the law was passed after adequate consultation with Ugandan citizens, as required by the constitution.
