Kampala, Uganda — August 22, 2025
A new report has laid bare the struggles of lesbian, bisexual and queer (LBQ) womxn in Uganda, revealing how state-sanctioned homophobia and entrenched discrimination are pushing communities to the margins of survival.

Titled “Navigating Law and Marginality: An Afro-Feminist Analysis of Ugandan Womxn’s Interactions with the Law,” the study traces the everyday realities of LBQ persons since the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) in 2023. It details a pattern of violence, evictions, harassment, and legal exclusion that continues to deny Ugandans their rights.

Living Under Fear

For many participants, survival itself has become an act of defiance. “Being alive is my biggest achievement,” one kuchu told researchers, a statement that captures the daily reality of living under constant threat.

Others described a life under surveillance. “I always feel like I’m being stalked. Even when we’re assured this is a safe space, we never feel completely free.”

For gender non-conforming individuals, the pressures are sharper: “Some act like I need to prove something, like my existence is up for debate. Others reduce me to a sexual object. It is either invisibility or objectification, and both are violent.”

Families Torn Apart

The law’s shadow extends into family life, where LBQ parents are stripped of their rights in custody disputes. One mother recounted her ordeal in court:
“The man shouted, ‘she cannot live with our child because she’s a lesbian!’ Everyone turned… the judge gave him custody.”

Such rulings, the report notes, demonstrate how sexuality is weaponized in ways that erase LBQ parents from their children’s lives.

Health and Mental Wellbeing

Healthcare has also become hostile terrain. The report cites cases of health workers refusing treatment to LBQ womxn, emboldened by the AHA.

The toll on mental health is stark. One participant admitted: “The law affected me terribly. I’ve struggled with alcohol and drug use which started as a way to manage social anxiety, but it spiraled out of my control.”

Everyday Prejudice

Beyond institutions, discrimination shows up in daily life. Evictions, workplace harassment, and raids on community spaces have become common. Transgender participants reported carrying the heaviest burden: “We are the face of kuchus in this country and we pay the toughest price.”

Resilience and Pushback

Despite systemic repression, the report also highlights resilience. From parents who shield their queer children, to activists who challenge unjust laws in court, LBQ persons are refusing to disappear. “Every small victory in court is a building block,” one activist said. “Even when rulings go against us, we document, we appeal, and we keep pushing.”

Calls for Change

The report makes strong recommendations, including:

• Repealing the Anti-Homosexuality Act and colonial-era Penal Code provisions.

• Recognizing LBQ persons’ rights to parenthood, healthcare, and legal identity.

• Expanding shelters and mental health support systems.

• Building stronger local and regional solidarities to counter anti-gender movements.

Full Report Available

The complete study, “Navigating Law and Marginality: An Afro-Feminist Analysis of Ugandan Womxn’s Interactions with the Law,” is available for download at womenprobono.org.