Police in Arua City, West Nile, Uganda have arrested two women on allegations of practicing homos3xuality, contrary to Section 2(1)(2) of the Anti-Homos3xuality Act 2023, after they were reportedly seen kissing in public.
A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest to AFP on Tuesday, February 23, 2026.
Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-s3x relations, while “aggravated homos3xuality” is punishable by death.
The two women, Wendy Faith, a 22 year old dancer and Alesi Diana Denise,21, were arrested on February 18, 2026 following a complaint from neighbours.
They have been held in detention without legal representation since February 18.
“Neighbours contacted police complaining the two were practicing homosexuality and were seen kissing each other in public,” local police spokesperson Josephine Angucia told AFP, adding that the neighbours also took photos as evidence.
“They had seen many women going into their one-roomed rented residence and spending nights there in what they suspected was same-s3x orgies,” Angucia added.
Angucia said the case had been forwarded to the state prosecutor for “guidance and possible appearance in court”.
Human rights advocate Frank Mugashi condemned the arrest on X saying it “underscores the grim reality” faced by victims under the anti-gay law.
“It has fueled a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion,” Mugisha said. “Criminals are now using this law as a weapon to prey on the LGBTQ+ community, knowing their victims are too terrified to seek protection.”
Uganda is a conservative and predominantly Christian country in east Africa.
Its anti-gay law triggered outrage among rights campaigners and condemnation from the United Nations and Western countries.
The World Bank suspended funding to the country, although this resumed in mid-2025. The women, Wendy Faith, a 22 year old dance and Alesi diana Denise,21, were arrested on February 18, 2026