Uganda: NRM Party Caucus Sends Anti-Homosexuality Bill Back to Parliament for Revisions Before Presidential Approval

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party caucus has decided to send the recently-passed Anti-Homosexuality bill back to Parliament for further improvements. This move comes after a thorough examination of the bill and prior discussions surrounding the matter. The Anti-Homosexuality bill, which was approved by parliament last month, will need to undergo revisions before being presented to the president for assent.

The decision was made during a caucus meeting held at the Kololo Independence Grounds. The resolution stated, “The NRM caucus hereby resolves to advise the president to send back to parliament the bill with proposals for improvement.” This came after President Museveni, who also serves as the party’s national chairman, delivered a keynote address on the controversial law, which was initially passed by Parliament on March 21.

This development follows a recommendation from the Attorney General to President Museveni, urging him not to assent to the bill in its current form. The Attorney General, who serves as the chief legal advisor for the government, noted that the new law includes a mandatory death sentence for those convicted of aggravated homosexuality, which contradicts articles 21, 22(1), 28, 44(a), and 44(c) of the Constitution.

The Attorney General also pointed out that the Constitutional Court has already ruled on laws regarding mandatory death sentences, deeming them inconsistent with the Constitution. He argued that the new law could potentially violate the principle of separation of powers by prescribing a mandatory death sentence, as this would not allow the judiciary the discretion to determine an appropriate sentence.

In addition to these concerns, the Attorney General cited several other provisions in the new law that require revision by parliament before being assented to by the president. If these revisions are not made, the law risks being challenged in court on the grounds of being unconstitutional. With this in mind, the ruling NRM party MPs have resolved to ensure that the bill is improved and meets constitutional standards before proceeding further in the legislative process.