Thursday, March 19, 2026

The Supreme Court of Uganda has confirmed that it will hear the case challenging the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) on 31st March 2026, starting at 10:00 in the morning.

This is a big deal. The Supreme Court is the highest court in Uganda, meaning whatever it decides is final. There is no higher court to appeal to after this.

How did we get here?

When President Museveni signed the AHA into law in May 2023, a group of Ugandans — lawyers, activists, politicians, and organizations — went to court to challenge it. Their argument was that the law violates the rights guaranteed under Uganda’s own Constitution.

The Constitutional Court heard the case and ruled against them. So they took the fight one step higher, to the Supreme Court. That appeal is what gets heard on March 31st.

Who is fighting this in court?

There are 22 people and organizations on the side challenging the law. Some familiar names include MP Hon. Fox Odoi-Oywelowo, activist Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, law professor Silvia Tamale, and the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF).

On the other side is the government — through the Attorney General — together with Pastor Martin Ssempa, Eng. Stephen Langa, and Family Life Network, who all supported the law.

The UN’s HIV/AIDS body, UNAIDS, has also been allowed to present information to the court as an independent expert, given how much the AHA affects public health and access to HIV services.

What is happening between now and March 31?

The court has given both sides a tight schedule to follow:

• March 20 — The appellants (those challenging the law) must share their legal arguments with the other side
• March 26 — The respondents (those defending the law) must submit their response
• March 30 — The appellants can file a final reply if they need to
• March 31 — Everyone appears in court for the actual hearing

Why does this matter?

Since the AHA was signed into law, it has been used to justify the harassment, arrest, and displacement of LGBTQ+ Ugandans. It has also triggered aid cuts and pushed many people out of accessing health services. A ruling in favor of the appellants could strike the law down entirely. A ruling against them would leave it standing.

Either way, March 31st is a date to watch closely.

KuchuTimes will be following the proceedings and will bring you updates as they happen.