Updated
Uganda has some of the world’s harshest laws against same-sex relationships. The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 punishes same-sex acts with up to life imprisonment and includes the death penalty for what it calls aggravated cases, as well as offences for ‘promoting’ homosexuality. Its main provisions were upheld by the Constitutional Court in 2024. LGBTQ+ travellers still visit for gorilla trekking, but they need to understand the law and travel with care.
What the law means for visitors
The law applies to everyone in Uganda, including tourists. Enforcement against foreign visitors has been rare, but the risk is real, and the law has encouraged harassment, blackmail and vigilante attacks against LGBTQ+ Ugandans. Public displays of affection between any couple are frowned on in Uganda; for same-sex couples they can lead to trouble. Several governments advise LGBTQ+ travellers to check current guidance before booking.
Practical precautions
Many same-sex couples travel as friends and book twin or double rooms without issue, as lodges are used to friends sharing. Avoid public displays of affection, be careful about what you post on social media while in Uganda, and do not use dating apps, which have been used for entrapment. Choose an experienced tour operator who is discreet and can handle bookings sensitively. Keep emergency contacts, including your embassy, saved on your phone.
Gorilla trekking itself
On the trek you are one of up to eight visitors with ranger guides, porters and trackers, and the focus is on the gorillas. Lodges near Bwindi cater mainly to international guests. Some visitors choose Rwanda for gorilla trekking instead, where same-sex relations are not criminalised, though social attitudes are also conservative. The gorilla permit in Uganda costs US$800, or US$600 in April, May and November. See our guides to safety in Uganda, Rwanda versus Uganda, solo travel in Uganda and travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Same-sex acts are criminalised under the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, with severe penalties.
Usually yes, as friends sharing rooms is common, but discretion is important.
Yes. Rwanda does not criminalise same-sex relations, and it also has mountain gorillas.
Yes, check your government’s current travel advice.
