Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called a meeting with ruling party lawmakers to discuss the recently approved Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2023, which has been criticised for its harsh penalties for same-sex activity, including life imprisonment and even death for repeat offenders.

While Museveni’s assent is required for the bill to become law, he is expected to reject the current draft and return it to parliament for reconsideration, according to sources close to his office. The meeting was confirmed by the ruling National Resistance Movement’s chief whip, who sent a letter to party MPs inviting them to attend.

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The bill has been condemned by the international community and human rights campaigners, with the White House warning Uganda of possible economic repercussions if the legislation takes effect. While homosexuality was criminalised in Uganda under colonial-era laws, many of the country’s neighbours are also cracking down on LGBTQ rights.