A planned law criminalising homosexuality in Uganda would have a serious impact on human rights and health, the UN AIDS agency warns, calling on authorities to reject the bill.
Uganda's progress in tackling the country's HIV epidemic could be reversed if the law is passed, UNAIDS executive director Michel Sidibe said on Tuesday.
"I am scared that this bill will take Uganda backwards, relinquishing its leadership role in the AIDS response," he said.
UNAIDS warned that the law could have serious health implications because gay people facing criminal charges are less likely to seek medical help.
Under the proposed legislation, which Ugandan president Museveni Yoweri on Friday said would be signed into law shortly, those convicted of homosexual acts could face life imprisonment.
The law would also make it a crime not to report gay people.
US President Barack Obama on Sunday strongly criticised the bill, adding that it could complicate relations with the United States.
Last month, Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law a bill that envisages lengthy prison terms for those engaging in homosexual activity.
It also criminalises membership in gay organisations.
Homosexuality is illegal in about two thirds of Africa's 54 nations, according to the US-based International
