Uganda president defies global criticism, enacts contentious Anti-Homosexuality Law

Despite international criticism, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has signed a controversial anti-homosexuality bill into law.

The new legislation limits the offence of homosexuality to gay sexual acts, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Aggravated offences, such as sexual abuse against minors or disabled individuals, or infecting a victim with a lifelong illness, can result in the death penalty, BBC reports add.

The law also mandates reporting of any homosexual abuse against children or vulnerable individuals. International organizations expressed deep concern over the law's impact on health education and outreach programs for AIDS and the safety and well-being of LGBTQ individuals.

The law is expected to face legal challenges, as a similar bill was invalidated by Uganda's constitutional court in 2014.

YNA