Uganda: Government Shuts Down Another Group That Defends LGBTQ+ Rights

As part of its ongoing clampdown on democratic freedoms, the Ugandan government has ordered another human rights organisation that defends LGBTQ+ rights to shut down indefinitely.

Earlier in January, the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders highlighted the suspension of at least seven human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Uganda.

The country’s National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations suspended the operating permits of groups working in areas including human rights, constitutional governance, financial oversight, and support for torture victims and journalists.

Chapter Four Uganda targeted

Among the affected organisations was Chapter Four Uganda, which is widely known for its human rights advocacy and strong defence of LGBTQ+ people in the country.

The Bureau justified the action by alleging that the organisations’ operations prejudiced “the security and the laws of Uganda”. It also ordered banks to freeze the groups’ accounts pending an investigation.

The suspensions came just days before Uganda’s general elections on 15 January, which also saw the government shut down internet access for several days, supposedly to prevent the spread of disinformation.

Contested election and political context

The disputed election resulted in 81-year-old President Yoweri Museveni, a long-time opponent of LGBTQ+ rights, securing a seventh term in office and extending his nearly 40-year rule.

In a statement, Chapter Four Uganda said that the reasons cited by the government for its shutdown were “based on vague allegations”.

The organisation confirmed that it was complying with the restrictions, had closed its offices, and had temporarily suspended operations. It apologised for any inconvenience caused to its partners and beneficiaries.

“For over a decade, Chapter Four Uganda has worked transparently in courts of law, Parliament, and communities to protect and promote human rights, advance access to justice, and strengthen the rule of law—fostering fairer societies for all,” the organisation stated.

It added: “We consider this suspension unjustified and are pursuing all available administrative and legal measures to restore our operational status as soon as possible.”

Pattern of targeting LGBTQ+ organisations

The move mirrors earlier action taken against LGBTQ+ groups in Uganda. In August 2022, the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations shut down Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), one of the country’s most prominent LGBTQ+ rights organisations.

At the time, the Bureau said it had “taken the decision to halt the operations of SMUG with immediate effect” because the organisation was not legally registered and was therefore “operating illegally”. However, Ugandan authorities have refused to allow SMUG to register since 2012.

In March 2024, Uganda’s Court of Appeal upheld the government’s refusal to register SMUG, ruling that it was in “the public interest” because same-sex sexual activity is criminalised under Ugandan law.

Hostile environment for LGBTQ+ people

Uganda remains one of the most hostile countries in the world for LGBTQ+ people. In May 2023, President Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act into law.

The legislation imposes extreme penalties, including life imprisonment for consensual same-sex relationships, the death penalty for so-called “aggravated homosexuality”, and prison sentences of up to 20 years for “promoting” or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights.

The continued targeting of human rights organisations has raised serious concerns about shrinking civic space and the escalating risks faced by LGBTQ+ people and those who defend their rights in Uganda.