Reported by Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
A 22-year-old businessman, identified as Davis Orikiriza, has been detained in Kanungu government prison for allegedly engaging in homosexual act with another man. The incident is said to have occurred on March 22, 2023, in Katungu village, Kanungu district. Orikiriza was charged with engaging in an unnatural offense, which is a violation of section 145 of the penal code act. The suspect appeared before Kanungu grade one magistrate, Athananthious Mukobi, and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the court hearing on Thursday, Kanungu district Resident State Attorney, Peter Muhendo, requested an adjournment, stating that investigations are still ongoing. Magistrate Mukobi asked the accused to explain where he had acquired training in the said act, but Orikiriza denied the accusations, stating that he was innocent. The magistrate remanded him to custody until April 6.
The Ugandan parliament recently passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, 2023, which criminalizes several LGBTQ activities. The bill awaits President Yoweri Museveni’s assent to become law.
