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Trans Community Travel Advice
Last updated: 15 Apr 2026 09:03 PM
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Government Travel Advice
Last updated: 9 Apr 2026 01:09 PM
Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in Uganda.
In May 2023, Uganda introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. This act introduces long prison sentences, and the death penalty in some cases, for same-sex sexual activity. There are also severe penalties for promoting LGBT+ rights.
Sexual activity with someone of the same sex carries the punishment of life imprisonment.
Offences classed as ’aggravated homosexuality’ carry a sentence up to the death penalty (though the death penalty has not been implemented for civilians in Uganda since 1999). ‘Aggravated homosexuality’ is defined as sexual activity with someone of the same sex who is:
- a person aged 17 or under
- a person aged 75 or above
- a relative or someone under your care
- disabled or suffering from mental health issues
- a person who is unconscious or under the influence of medicine or other substances that impair their judgement
- under duress or misrepresentation
- threatened or intimidated
A person who has a previous conviction of homosexuality or related offences can be charged with aggravated homosexuality for subsequent offences.
Promoting or supporting homosexuality carries up to a 20-year prison sentence. This includes, but is not limited to:
- encouraging or persuading someone to perform a same-sex sexual act or anything that is an offence under the act
- publishing, printing, broadcasting by any means, information that promotes or encourages homosexuality
- providing financial or other support that encourages homosexuality or the normalisation of acts prohibited by the act
The law could affect those who are exercising their freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly and association, to show support for LGBT+ people and rights.
Anti-LGBT+ rhetoric by religious leaders, politicians, government officials and the local media can incite homophobia against the LGBT+ community.
LGBT+ people or those who are perceived to be LGBT+ may be at greater risk of harassment, imprisonment, blackmail and violence from people who view the law as justification for attacks.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Trans Rights Overview
Last updated: 2 Apr 2026 04:04 PM
Summary
Severely hostile legal and social environment. Trans people face persecution and violence.
Rights Breakdown
Death Penalty Risk
Whether trans people face death-penalty risk under local law or enforcement.
📝 Equaldex region: UG; Homosexuality: Illegal (death penalty as punishment); Censorship: Imprisonment as punishment; Conversion therapy: Not banned | Source: https://www.equaldex.com/api/equality-index?format=json&dependent_territories=1
Legal Gender Recognition
Can trans people change the gender marker on official documents?
📝 Equaldex region: UG; Homosexuality: Illegal (death penalty as punishment); Censorship: Imprisonment as punishment; Conversion therapy: Not banned | Source: https://www.equaldex.com/api/equality-index?format=json&dependent_territories=1
Self-ID or Gatekeeping
Is legal gender recognition based on self-declaration or medical requirements?
📝 No recognition or procedure in place.
Nonbinary Recognition
Are nonbinary or third-gender identities officially recognised?
📝 Nonbinary identities are not recognised.
Legal Name Change
Can trans people legally change their name on official records?
📝 No access to change legal name based on gender.
Marriage Rights
Can trans people marry in accordance with their affirmed gender?
📝 Same-sex marriage is explicitly banned.
Trans Healthcare Access
Is gender-affirming healthcare legal and available?
📝 No public or private recognition of trans healthcare needs.
Trans Youth Rights
Can trans minors access gender-affirming care and support?
📝 No protections or access for youth.
Insurance & Public Funding
Is gender-affirming healthcare covered by public or private insurance?
📝 No funding exists.
Conversion Therapy Ban
Are practices targeting trans people for conversion therapy banned?
📝 Equaldex region: UG; Homosexuality: Illegal (death penalty as punishment); Censorship: Imprisonment as punishment; Conversion therapy: Not banned | Source: https://www.equaldex.com/api/equality-index?format=json&dependent_territories=1
Anti-Discrimination Laws
Are trans people protected by anti-discrimination laws in housing, work, and services?
📝 Gender identity and sexual orientation are not protected; laws target LGBTQ+ people.
Hate Crime Laws
Are trans people protected under hate crime laws?
📝 No protections; state violence and societal violence are both common.
Prison & Detention Policies
Are trans people treated with dignity in prisons and detention settings?
📝 Equaldex region: UG; Homosexuality: Illegal (death penalty as punishment); Censorship: Imprisonment as punishment; Conversion therapy: Not banned | Source: https://www.equaldex.com/api/equality-index?format=json&dependent_territories=1
Military Inclusion
Can trans people serve openly in the military?
📝 LGBTQ+ people are banned from military.
Asylum Protections
Are trans identities valid grounds for asylum claims?
📝 Not a destination country for asylum; instead, Ugandan trans people seek asylum abroad.
Access to Single-Sex Spaces
Can trans people access gendered spaces that match their affirmed gender?
📝 Trans people are often denied access and face criminalisation.
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