By Wilfred Mukembo
Uganda Police are on the lookout for Hamza Kisembo, a youthful individual wanted for allegedly assisting and promoting homosexuality in case registered at Kyebando Police Post. Kisembo, who was arrested on September 1, 2023, was granted a police bond three days later, on September 4, 2023, with the condition to report to the authorities every week as investigations continued. However, he has since failed to comply with the reporting requirements.
The police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Police, Patrick Onyango, confirmed the case and revealed that Kisembo, employed at an undisclosed tours and travel company, had used his position to accommodate foreigners who financially supported him in recruiting homosexual partners. This activity alarmed the residents of Kyebando -Kisalosalo zone, Kawempe division, Kampala district prompting them to report the matter to the police.
Onyango further disclosed that the investigation has been completed, but the case cannot proceed in court due to Kisembo’s disappearance. His last known location was in Kyebando, where he lived with his wife and kids who have also gone missing. Additionally, the individuals who stood as sureties for Kisembo have also not been located.
The police are now appealing to the public for any information that may lead to Kisembo’s arrest and prosecution. They have urged anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward and share the information with the nearest police station in confidence. Authorities have warned that anyone associated with his disappearance will be held accountable.
It should be noted that Section 145 of the Penal Code Act cap 120, outlaws any unnatural offences which are described as any sexual acts against the order of nature. The sentence once convicted gives a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The incident also comes at a time when in May 2023, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni signed into law the Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023 which enforces tougher measures against people who pronounce themselves as gay Uganda.
The restrictive anti-gay law has tough punishments and fines for those convicted of promoting, recruiting, practicing homosexuality or lesbianism, aiding, harboring and staying with homosexuals in Uganda. The law also provides for a life sentence in prison for an individual convicted of same-sex acts in the country.
