Two Ugandan women in their 20s were arrested for kissing in public in the northwestern city of Arua, approximately 450 kilometres from the capital, Kampala, authorities said on Tuesday.

The arrest was made under Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which imposes penalties of up to life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relations, while “aggravated homosexuality” is punishable by death.

Local police spokesperson Josephine Angucia told AFP that neighbours filed a complaint after seeing the women kiss publicly. The neighbours also reportedly took photographs as evidence.

“Neighbours contacted police complaining the two were practicing homosexuality and were seen kissing each other in public,” she said. Angucia added that neighbours suspected same-sex gatherings at the women’s one-room rented residence.

The women have been held in detention without legal representation since February 18. Their case has been forwarded to the state prosecutor for guidance and potential court proceedings.

Human rights advocate Frank Mugashi condemned the arrests on X, stating that the law “underscores the grim reality” for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda and fuels “a dangerous cycle of blackmail and extortion,” as victims fear seeking protection.

Uganda, a conservative and predominantly Christian nation, faced international backlash after the 2023 law was passed, including condemnation from the United Nations and Western countries. The World Bank temporarily suspended funding over the legislation, resuming support in mid-2025.