Uganda still allows the death penalty by law, but executions have not been carried out since 1999. This long pause means that while the law permits capital punishment, in reality, it is rarely used. The Supreme Court of Uganda also made a landmark decision in 2009, ruling that mandatory death sentences were unconstitutional. Judges are now required to consider each case individually and decide the sentence based on circumstances and factors surrounding the crime.
Despite this progress, the death penalty has come under renewed attention in recent years. In 2023, Uganda passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which reintroduced the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” such as engaging in same-sex acts with minors or disabled persons. This law drew strong criticism from human rights organizations around the world, who warn that it unfairly targets LGBTQ+ people and violates their rights.
The debate over the death penalty in Uganda continues. Supporters argue that it protects vulnerable individuals and serves as a deterrent to serious crimes. Critics say it is a violation of human rights and does not effectively prevent crime. Uganda remains in a delicate position, balancing legal safeguards, public safety, and international human rights expectations. As global attention continues to focus on the country, discussions about the morality, fairness, and role of the death penalty are likely to continue.
