Ugandan man facing death penalty over 'aggravated homosexuality' charge

The new charge of “aggravated homosexuality” was brought in earlier this year.

A Ugandan man is facing the death penalty after being charged with "aggravated homosexuality" under new anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the country.

The man, aged 20, has been accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a 41-year-old man, although no further details have been given.

The “aggravated homosexuality” charge usually involves sex with children or vulnerable people, or if someone has infected another with an illness such as HIV. However, it can also apply if someone is a repeat offender of the country’s tough rules against same sex relations. In Uganda, anyone convicted of engaging in homosexual acts faces life imprisonment.

A new hardline bill imposing capital and life-imprisonment sentences for gay sex, was introduced earlier this year.

Earlier this month, the World Bank halted loans to Uganda in protest at its LGBTQ+ laws, which are believed to be among the most harsh in the world.

The accused man appeared in court on August 18 in the eastern city of Soroti.