Nabuyanda John Solomon, a prominent human rights defender in Uganda, is currently under scrutiny as he faces allegations of promoting homosexuality. Known among his colleagues as Counsel Nabuyanda, he has been accused by at least two individuals of attempting to recruit them into homosexuality and encouraging their participation in meetings associated with the LGBTQI+ movement.
One of the complainants, identified only as Caleb, a law student at Makerere University, lodged a complaint at Wandegeya Police Station. Caleb stated that Nabuyanda sent him “peculiar messages linked to the LGBTQI+ movement” and invited him to attend LGBTQI+ movement gatherings despite his lack of interest.
The other complainant, Karungi Lawrence, reported a similar experience, alleging that Nabuyanda repeatedly sent him strange messages related to the LGBTQI+ movement and invited him to participate in its events, despite his disinterest. Lawrence filed a complaint at Mbalala Police Station in Mukono, and the case was registered under SD Ref 12/22/07/023.
Presently, the police are conducting an investigation into the accusations against Nabuyanda, citing section 11 of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, which prohibits the promotion of homosexuality. If convicted, Nabuyanda could face a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
Meanwhile, Nabuyanda’s supporters are claiming that the complainants are politically motivated and that the allegations form part of a smear campaign against Nabuyanda. They argue that Nabuyanda has been an outspoken critic of the Ugandan government’s anti-gay policies.
In response to the accusations, Nabuyanda vehemently denies promoting homosexuality and maintains that he is a dedicated human rights defender.
This incident occurs merely a month after Uganda’s President, Yoweri Museveni, signed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill into law, albeit in a watered-down version by parliament. The Act remains one of the most stringent anti-LGBTQ laws globally.
