Uganda Arrests Two Women for Public Kissing Under Harsh New Anti-Gay Laws

Published: 26 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The east African nation of Uganda is once again under the intense spotlight of international human rights observers following a recent police raid. Two young women were arrested and detained in the north-western city of Arua after they were allegedly seen kissing in a public space. This incident has reignited global concerns regarding the severe legal environment for the LGBTQ+ community within the country. The local police acted after receiving reports from community members who claimed to have witnessed the pair engaging in what they described as unusual acts. Wendy Faith, a twenty-two-year-old musician known professionally as Torrero Bae, and her companion, Alesi Diana Denise, aged twenty-one, were taken from their shared residence. This arrest highlights the growing tension and surveillance that many individuals face daily while living under the strict Anti-Homosexuality Act. The legislation, which was signed into law in May 2023, remains one of the harshest in the world for same-sex activity.

A spokesperson for the West Nile region police, Josephine Angucia, confirmed that the authorities received information regarding the suspects. The community alleged that many women frequently converged at the residence of the suspects, which raised local suspicions and led to the intervention. According to the police, the two women were seen kissing in broad daylight, which served as the primary basis for their detention. They are currently being held in custody, although it is not yet clear when formal charges will be brought against them. Under the current legal framework, “homosexuality” is an offense that carries the potential for life imprisonment for those convicted. The broader category of “aggravated homosexuality” can even lead to the death penalty in certain specific circumstances defined by the state. This legal reality has created a climate of fear where personal privacy and public expression are increasingly scrutinized by both the state and the general public.

The arrest of Wendy Faith and Alesi Diana Denise is not being viewed as an isolated event by human rights defenders. Frank Mugisha, the executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, expressed deep alarm over the safety and dignity of the two women. He noted a sharp increase in similar incidents across the country where people are targeted based solely on their perceived identities. Mugisha pointed out that the current climate fuels a wave of blackmail and extortion against those suspected of being LGBTQ+. Activists argue that the law empowers private citizens to act as informants, which disrupts social cohesion and places many lives in danger. The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum reported in January that they have handled nearly one thousand cases targeting marginalized groups since the law was implemented. These cases have affected over one thousand two hundred individuals, illustrating the massive scale of the ongoing crackdown within the diverse Ugandan society.

International organizations have also added their voices to the condemnation of the recent arrests and the general state of human rights. Human Rights Watch released a detailed report in May 2025 accusing Ugandan authorities of perpetrating widespread discrimination and violence. The report highlighted how the anti-gay legislation has unleashed a cycle of abuse that extends beyond the courtroom into everyday life. Many queer Ugandans are reportedly deleting digital messages and moving away from shared homes to avoid potential surveillance by neighbors. Hans Senfuma, a prominent local activist, spoke poignantly about the grief and fear currently permeating the community. He described the arrest of the two young women as a deliberate and brutal message sent to everyone in the country. Senfuma urged the international community not to look away or simply issue empty statements of concern without taking any concrete action. He emphasized that the survival of many people depends on continued diplomatic pressure and the strategic use of international funding levers.

The Ugandan legal system has consistently upheld the Anti-Homosexuality Act despite numerous petitions from civil society groups and international legal experts. In April 2024, the constitutional court rejected a major petition to overturn the bill, reinforcing the government’s stance on the issue. President Yoweri Museveni has remained firm in his support for the law, often dismissing international criticism as interference in sovereign matters. However, the human rights situation continues to deteriorate as the country approaches the general elections scheduled for early 2026. Reports suggest that political opposition members and journalists are also facing increased harassment alongside marginalized groups. The shrinking democratic space has made it difficult for activists to operate safely or provide legal support to those in need. Many individuals who are outed through social media or local tabloids face the immediate risk of losing their employment and social standing. This systemic exclusion is a central feature of the current political and social landscape in the region.

The specific case in Arua City serves as a stark reminder of the everyday risks faced by women in Uganda. While the law targets all same-sex activity, female-focused arrests often involve additional layers of social stigma and community-led surveillance. The police statement mentioned that the “convergence” of women at the suspects’ residence was a factor in the community’s report. This suggests that even private gatherings are now subject to public suspicion and state intervention under the guise of morality. For many, the prospect of a life sentence for a public kiss represents the extreme end of a broader trend of moral policing. As Wendy Faith and Alesi Diana Denise remain in detention, their supporters are calling for legal representation and a fair process. However, given the current judicial environment, there is a pervasive sense of pessimism regarding the outcome of such high-profile cases involving the Anti-Homosexuality Act.

The global community continues to monitor the situation, with some nations considering targeted sanctions or the withdrawal of aid to signal their disapproval. The European Union and the United States have previously expressed their opposition to the legislation, but critics argue that more significant pressure is required. Financial aid and diplomatic ties are the primary tools through which external actors can influence the human rights trajectory of the country. Activists like Frank Mugisha have called on political leaders to stop the surveillance and harassment of individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation. They argue that the focus should be on building an inclusive society that protects the rights and dignity of all its citizens. As the case of the two women in Arua progresses, it will likely remain a focal point for international advocacy and a test of the global commitment to human rights. The unfolding story is a testament to the resilience of those fighting for freedom in the face of overwhelming state power.

The plight of Wendy Faith and Alesi Diana Denise is a clear signal that the enforcement of the Anti-Homosexuality Act is becoming more aggressive. The transition from legislative debate to active police raids indicates a new phase in the state’s crackdown on the LGBTQ+ community. With the legal system providing little recourse for the accused, the role of international observers and local activists becomes even more critical. The narrative surrounding these arrests is not just about a single act but about the fundamental right to exist without fear of state-sponsored violence. As the women wait in their cells, the world is reminded of the fragile nature of human rights in many parts of the globe. The courage shown by those who continue to speak out despite the risks is the only remaining barrier against a total loss of personal liberty. The final outcome of this case will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the borders of Uganda, shaping the future of human rights in the entire region.

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