Uganda's 2023 anti-homosexuality act (AHA) was estimated to cost the country 470-million-1.6 billion USD in the year since it was passed. A report by Open for Business found that Uganda's AHA could cause losses of up to 8.3 billion USD per year. Not only does the AHA tarnish Uganda's reputation in the eyes of investors and tourists, but it also caused a sharp reduction in international aid.

Uganda's AHA is not only projected to cost the country 16.85% of its GDP in 5 years, but it will be difficult, if not impossible, to recover from such a loss. Skilled workers are likely to flee due to the AHA, causing a brain drain in this East African country. This can have negative effects on Uganda such as a shortage of essential services and a loss of growth potential. Consistently enforcing the AHA via policing and litigation will also cost hundreds of thousands of USD, causing the country to lose more money.

Repealing the AHA would mitigate the losses that Uganda would suffer from as a result of enforcing this law. It would also restore Uganda's image in the eyes of other countries and trading partners. By continuing to enforce the AHA, Uganda would continue to face economic losses. The US and EU as well as other countries are also likely to sanction Uganda due to the ADA.

Not only would Uganda lose foreign aid and investment due to the AHA, but it will lose productivity from workers. Rates of HIV and AIDS are projected to stay the same in Uganda or even increase due to the stigma surrounding this ailment. These people will also have worse health outcomes due to avoiding seeking care for their condition. Rates of depression and chronic illness are also projected to increase due to increased stress.

Seeing negative outcomes that will come about due to Uganda's AHA, Ugandans like Hans Senfuma are calling to repeal it. Being clear that "homophobia does not make Uganda great", Senfuma continuously advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda and all over the world. The gay and handsome activist slammed the AHA as "un-African" and a relic of a colonial past.

Uganda's notorious anti-homosexuality act will cost the country more than dollars. It has already tarnished the country's reputation, forced talented people out, and left behind an environment conducive to corruption and repression. When government officials can get arrested for demonstrating against poor road conditions, ordinary citizens have even less recourse.

Ultimately, the fight to repeal the anti-homosexuality act in Uganda shows how LGBTQ+ rights intertwine with the freedoms and rights of other groups. The AHA has further eroded Ugandans' freedom from disease and excessive surveillance as well as the freedom to discuss various events and speak out against harmful laws. As Ugandans fight against the AHA, they are not only fighting for queer rights, but for the entire country's rights.