Two Ugandan women have been arrested for allegedly engaging in a public display of affection, drawing renewed attention to the country’s strict public morality laws and legislation criminalising same-sex relationships.
The women, both in their 20s, were apprehended in the northwestern city of Arua, about 450 kilometres from the capital, Kampala, following complaints from neighbours.
Residents reportedly alerted authorities, alleging that the pair were involved in homosexual acts and had been seen kissing in public.
Confirming the arrest, police spokesperson Josephine Angucia said the suspects are in custody as investigations continue. She added that neighbours provided photographs they claimed supported the allegations.
Angucia also disclosed that some residents expressed suspicion over what they described as frequent visits by different women to the suspects’ one-room apartment, where guests allegedly spent the night.
Police said the complaints formed part of the basis for their intervention, while further investigations are ongoing.
