President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni has signed a controversial anti-gay bill into law today, despite international condemnation.

The law states that homosexual acts, promotion of homosexual activity or failure to report a homosexual can be punished by up to a life term in prison.

Ugandan Government spokesman Ofwono Opondo said, “The president is signing the anti-homosexuality bill today.

“He wants to sign it with the full witness of the international media to demonstrate Uganda’s independence in the face of Western pressure and provocation.”

Homosexuality is currently illegal in 37 African countries, and is widely considered a taboo across the continent.

Gay rights organisations are worried about how the law will affect the LGBT community in the country. “It’s a gloomy day not just for the gay community in Uganda but for all Ugandans who care about human rights because this law will affect everybody,” said Julian Peppe Onziema, spokesman for an LGBT organisation in Uganda.

Museveni signed the bill during a press conference at State House in Entebbe, close to the capital Kampala.