Sexual orientation and gender identity
43. The Committee notes with grave concern that homosexual behaviour is criminalized in Uganda. The Committee also expresses its serious concern about reported harassment, violence, hate crimes and incitement of hatred against women on account of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Committee is further concerned that they face discrimination in employment, health care, education and other fields. Furthermore, the Committee notes with concern the private member’s proposed Anti- Homosexuality Bill, the contents of which would result in further discrimination of women on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
44. The Committee calls on the State party to decriminalize homosexual behaviour and to provide effective protection from violence and discrimination against women based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, in particular through the enactment of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation covering, inter alia, the prohibition of multiple forms of discrimination against women on all grounds, including on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. To this end, the Committee urges the State party to oppose the private member’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The Committee also urges the State party to intensify its efforts to combat discrimination against women on account of their sexual orientation and gender identity, including by launching a sensitization campaign aimed at the general public, as well as providing appropriate training to law enforcement officials and other relevant actors.
Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CEDAW-Uganda-2010-eng