• Forty=two persons were detained at an LGBTQ+ shelter in the capital Kampala

• Their arrest is connected to violation of COVID-19 protocols on gathering their lawyer says

• The detainees have been subjected to anal examination even though authorities assured that will not be done

Ugandan authorities have undertaken anal examinations on over forty persons who were arrested at a same-sex party held at a youth shelter in the capital, Kampala.

According to lawyer for the forty-two persons, Adrian Jjuuko, investigators "performed anal examinations on them despite assuring us they would not."

The group who were arrested at the Happy Family Youth shelter on Monday (May 31) have since been charged to court with hearing slated for Friday, June 4.

The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum said officers raided the party and picked up the suspects.

Their lawyer confirmed that they were charged with "negligent act likely to spread infection of disease" in reference to COVID-19 restrictions currently in place.

Jjuuko disputes the basis for their arrest saying that the regulations allow up to 200 people and attendance at the party was lower.

Same-sex relationships are illegal in Uganda with lawmakers last month passing a bill that further criminalises homosexuality.