The Chief Magistrate’s Court of Makindye, on August 23, 2024, issued a warrant of arrest against a 21-year-old woman accused of engaging in homosexuality. The woman identified as Najjemba Hillaryn was reportedly arrested and taken into custody by police after authorities described her as a suspect in what they termed as a ‘lesbian relationship.” Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the arrest followed a tip-off from the local community.
Police officers allegedly apprehended the young woman and transported her to the Industrial Area Police Station for questioning. According to the letter of intention to sue reviewed by this publication, the alleged offence is said to have occurred in July 2024. A case of “unnatural offence” (sodomy) was reportedly registered at Industrial Area Police Station under Reference No 01/19/28/2024.
Following her initial detention, Najjemba was reportedly released on police bond pending further investigations. However, police later stated that she failed to comply with bond conditions and did not report as required. Authorities subsequently declared her whereabouts unknown, and as a result, police reportedly circulated a public notice within areas of her known residence, urging members of the public to provide any information that could assist in locating and rearresting her.
In addition, after the matter was reported to the police by the complainant’s mother through Baraka Legal Associates Advocates, it is said to have filed a case before the Makindye Magistrate’s Court. Court proceedings reportedly led to the issuance of a warrant of arrest to secure the rearrest of Najjemba Hillaryn.
Sources at Entebbe International Airport indicate that the accused may have left the country although the specific destination has not been independently confirmed . Uganda Police has reported indicated that Interpol may be engaged to assist in tracing and apprehending the suspect.
Under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, Cap 120, section 145, any person who has carnal knowledge of another person “against the order of nature” commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to imprisonment for a term exceeding seven years.
