“We decline to nullify the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 in its entirety, neither will we grant a permanent injunction against its enforcement,” said Justice Richard Buteera, the country’s deputy chief justice and head of the court.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act, one of the toughest anti-gay laws in the world, includes penalties of up to life in prison for consensual same-sex relations and provisions that render “aggravated homosexuality” an offence that is punishable by death.

The petition was brought by two law professors in Kampala as well as legislators from the ruling party and human rights groups.