Last week, the Ugandan High Court of the Civil Division awarded $40,000 (the equivalent of 150 million Ugandan shillings) to 20 men who were tortured by police after their 2020 arrests for alleged homosexuality.They assert that on the morning of the said date their residence was invaded by a mob, among which were the respondents, that subjected them to all manner of torture because they were practicing homosexuality, Justice Douglas Singiza reportedly stated. Related One year later, Ugandas anti-LGBTQ+ law is destroying families, lives, & future peace Ugandans explain how the law has reversed decades of progress, and also turned families and neighbors against one another. The alleged actions of torture include beating, hitting, burning using a hot piece of firewood, undressing, tying, biding, conducting an anal examination, and inflicting other forms of physical, mental, and psychological violence based on the suspicion that they are homosexuals, an allegation they deny. Stay connected to your community Connect with the issues and events that impact your community at home and beyond by subscribing to our newsletter. Subscribe to our Newsletter today The torture occurred in the village of Nkokonjeru in the Kyengera Town Council Wakiso District. The plaintiffs worked with the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum, a non-profit human rights organization. They filed a human rights complaint against the Kyengera town council, mayor Abdul Kiyimba, principal officer Philimon Woniala, and the Attorney General.The arrests happened just after the Ugandan government implemented COVID-19 lockdowns.Based on the same suspicion [of homosexuality], the applicants were then arrested, taken to Nkokonjeru B police station, and charged with doing a negligent act likely to spread infection by disease, said Singiza. He noted that there was little evidence given for violations of the countrys anti-homosexuality laws and that the investigations lacked merit.The men were then sent to prison on March 31, 2020, Where they were again allegedly beaten, examined, harassed, and subjected to discrimination.Uganda has strict laws against homosexuality. The 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023, makes what it describes as aggravated homosexuality including same-sex acts that transmit HIV punishable by the death penalty, imposes a life sentence for recruitment, promotion and funding of same-sex activities, and even bans identifying as LGBTQ+ in Uganda. It has been roundly condemned by human rights organizations,members of the U.S. House of Representatives,President Joe Biden, and evenPope Francis.Dr. Frank Mugisha, human rights activist and executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, said on X of the ruling: A Ugandan court has awarded Shs150 million to 20 Ugandans who were tortured for alleged homosexuality during the COVID lockdown, marking a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community. This decision builds on earlier successes, including a 2008 ruling for Victor Mukisa and a favorable judgment against Rolling Stone, a Ugandan tabloid known for its harmful publications. A Ugandan court has awarded Shs150 million to 20 Ugandans who were tortured for alleged homosexuality during the COVID lockdown, marking a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community. This decision builds on earlier successes, including a 2008 ruling for Victor Mukisa and a Dr. Frank Mugisha (@frankmugisha) November 25, 2024Local leaders and politicians have now been put onnotice that if you beat up people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, you payfrom your own pockets, said Adrian Jjuuko, executive director of Ugandas Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum, in a statement to Barrons.In addition to the brutality experienced by LGBTQ+ people, Ugandas Anti-Homosexuality Act has already cost the country as much as $1.6 billionin the year since it became law, according to a new report by Open for Business, a coalition of global companies dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion. It is estimated that in the twelve months following the AHAs passage, Uganda has made an economic loss of between $470 million and $1.6 billion, according to the report, a sum that comprises between 0.93.2% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP).Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.