By Oyintari Ben
A 43-year-old Ugandan teacher and her suspected accomplice have remained in custody after reporting to police in the eastern city of Jinja over the weekend.
Uganda’s colonial-era laws against same-sex relationships have been strengthened by more modern anti-homosexuality legislation; the most recent of which parliament is now developing.
In response to allegations made online that a teacher at PMM Girls School was encouraging same-sex relationships, parents of students stormed the premises on Friday and demanded to have their children removed.
According to James Mubi, a spokesman for the Kiira Region Police, the teacher is the subject of an investigation into claims of sexual harassment. Her alleged partner is a 30-year-old who is neither a student at the institution nor was residing there.
Also, he stated that although there had not been any complaints from the children regarding the teacher, it was necessary to keep both her and her accused accomplice under observation for their safety.
Muslims in Jinja and other regions of the nation responded to the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council’s call to demonstrate against what they claim is an increase in the promotion of same-sex relationships in the country over a week ago.
LGBTQ rights activist Frank Mugisha forewarned Ugandans at the time that same-sex couples might become more frequently targeted in villages and communities.
