Climate activist Nyombi under investigation

Ugandan climate activist Morris Nyombi is at the center of a police investigation after allegations emerged linking him to LGBTQ+ activities.

The probe, which began on October 1, 2024, follows the enforcement of Uganda's strict Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. In May 2023, President Museveni signed the anti-gay bill into law following improvements adopted to make it tougher for people engaging in LGBQT.

This law criminalizes homosexual acts and advocacy, imposing penalties of up to 20 years for promoting homosexuality, with the possibility of life imprisonment or even capital punishment for repeat offenders.

The investigation intensified when Mwanje Umaru was arrested at the Uganda-Tanzania border on September 25. Mwanje accused Nyombi of offering him and others Shs2m in July 2022 to promote homosexuality, claiming Nyombi had successfully recruited more than 260 young people. Communication among recruits was allegedly facilitated through a WhatsApp group.

While authorities continue to search for Nyombi, who is believed to have fled to Denmark, his NGO, Earth Volunteers, is also under scrutiny. Investigators are examining claims that the organization finances homosexual clubs in at least 33 secondary schools across Uganda.

If convicted, Nyombi could face up to 25 years in prison. As the investigation continues, all eyes remain on Nyombi, who, once celebrated for his environmental contributions, now stands at the center of a legal battle that could define not only his future but also the wider narrative around activism and human rights in Uganda.