In a significant ruling on Tuesday, a Ugandan court dismissed an appeal by Sexual Minorities Uganda (Smug), an LGBT advocacy group, which sought legal recognition and registration from the government. The decision was confirmed by a lawyer representing the petitioner.
The case, which has been in the judicial system since 2015, began when Smug challenged the government’s registrar of companies for refusing to register the organization. The registrar had deemed the group’s name “undesirable” and stated that Smug’s activities were in support of individuals whose lifestyles are deemed illegal under Ugandan law.
This ruling comes after a previous action in 2022, where the Ugandan government suspended the operations of Smug due to its lack of official registration. The suspension highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by LGBT advocacy groups in the country, where homosexuality is criminalized.
The dismissal of Smug’s petition underscores the legal hurdles that such organizations continue to encounter in their fight for recognition and equality. It also reflects the broader societal and legal stance towards LGBT communities in Uganda, signaling a need for ongoing dialogue and advocacy for minority rights.
The court’s decision has been met with disappointment from human rights activists who view it as a setback for LGBT rights in Uganda. The ruling is expected to have significant implications for the advocacy efforts of Smug and similar organizations seeking to operate legally within the country.
