Kabalagala Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect in Alleged Same-Sex Conduct Case

Police in Kampala have intensified efforts to locate a man identified as Douglas Kayiwa, who is wanted in connection with an investigation into alleged same-sex relations, a case registered under CRB 120/2022 at Kabalagala Police Station.

The case stems from a report filed by a whistleblower, a woman identified only as Josephine, who alleges that she caught Kayiwa in a compromising situation with another man at a hotel in Muyenga. Josephine claims she initially hesitated to share her evidence but later submitted a photo to police, which is now part of the ongoing inquiry.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed they are in possession of the photograph and say it forms part of the preliminary case file. While stressing that investigations are still in early stages, authorities insist that Kayiwa must present himself for questioning.

Police reports indicate that Kayiwa had been living abroad for academic purposes and was expected to return to Uganda on June 1, 2025. A travel ticket submitted by his mother confirms his scheduled arrival on that date. However, since then, he has not responded to police summons, nor has he been located at his reported place of accommodation.

Officers have visited the Muyenga hotel multiple times, but their efforts to trace Kayiwa there have proved unsuccessful. Authorities now believe he is currently in Uganda and are appealing to the public to share any information that could help locate him.

Kayiwa’s mother has dismissed the allegations, asserting that her son is heterosexual and recently returned to Uganda to prepare for a traditional marriage ceremony scheduled for July. She maintains that the claims are baseless and have caused unnecessary distress to the family.

Despite the family’s position, police say the investigation will proceed independently of any social or cultural narratives.

“We have evidence sufficient to warrant formal questioning. Douglas needs to appear before us and give his side of the story,” a police source told reporters. “Dodging lawful summons only raises more suspicion.”

The search for Kayiwa comes amid increased enforcement of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, which was signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on May 26, 2023. The legislation outlines strict penalties for different categories of same-sex conduct, including:

  • 10 years’ imprisonment for attempted homosexuality
  • Life imprisonment for confirmed homosexual activity
  • Death penalty for aggravated or coercive acts

Given the heavy legal implications, police believe Kayiwa’s apparent evasion may be driven by fear of prosecution under the law.

Homosexuality remains not only illegal in Uganda but also heavily stigmatized in society. Authorities are calling on the public to report any sightings or information about Kayiwa’s whereabouts as investigations continue.

Nate Nate