Ugandan police have arrested two 20-year-old women in the city of Arua after neighbors reported seeing them kissing in public. This act is punishable under the harsh anti-LGBT legislation, which introduces life imprisonment for homosexual relations. According to a police statement, the arrest took place on February 18 following reports from residents who allegedly photographed the women. Both women are being held in custody without access to a public defender.

Arrest for a public kiss

Wendy Faith (22) and Alesi Diana Denise (21) were detained by police in the city of Arua in northwestern Uganda following a report from neighbors who saw them kissing in public and photographed them.

Legal basis from 2023

The arrest was carried out based on the Anti-Homosexuality Act passed in 2023, which prescribes life imprisonment for homosexual relations and, in so-called aggravated circumstances, even the death penalty.

Actions based on community reports

As stated by police spokesperson Josephine Angucia, law enforcement acted after receiving information from the local community, which reported "queer and unusual acts" and that many women often stay at the detainees' apartment.

International and local reactions

The 2023 law was introduced despite pressure from Western governments and local and international human rights organizations, which criticize it as one of the harshest regulations in the world targeting the LGBT community.

In Uganda, two young women have been arrested for kissing in a public place, which constitutes a crime under local law. Wendy Faith, a 22-year-old artist known as Torrero Bae, and 21-year-old Alesi Diana Denise were detained in their rented apartment in the city of Arua following police intervention. The incident occurred on February 18. According to an official statement from law enforcement, the basis for the action was reports from the local community. Police spokesperson for the West Nile region, Josephine Angucia, stated that information was received about suspects engaging in "queer and unusual acts believed to be of a sexual nature" and that they were allegedly seen kissing in broad daylight. Police added that many other women often stay at the women's apartment. Neighbors allegedly photographed the kiss and then reported the matter to the police, complaining that the couple "practices homosexuality." Homosexuality has been illegal in Uganda since colonial times, and the new 2023 law significantly tightened penalties, making it one of the harshest anti-LGBT laws in the world. It introduces life imprisonment for homosexual relations and even the death penalty for so-called aggravated offenses, which include relations with minors or persons with disabilities, as well as "repeat offenses." Both detained women are currently in custody. According to the AFP news agency, they do not have access to legal assistance. The case has sparked outrage among local and international human rights activists, who have long criticized Ugandan legislation. „Information was received from the community that the suspects have been involved in queer and unusual acts believed to be sexual in nature, besides being allegedly seen kissing each other in broad daylight.” — Josephine Angucia The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 was passed despite strong opposition and diplomatic pressure from the United States, the European Union, and global organizations. The Ugandan government, under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, maintains that these provisions are necessary to protect "family values" and the country's culture. The law has been widely criticized as violating fundamental human rights, including the right to privacy and freedom from discrimination. Amnesty International called it "appallingly draconian."

Mentioned People

  • Wendy Faith (Torrero Bae) — 22-year-old musical artist, one of the two arrested women.
  • Alesi Diana Denise — 21-year-old woman, unemployed, the second arrested person.
  • Josephine Angucia — Police spokesperson for the West Nile region in Uganda, who issued a statement regarding the arrest.