A Ugandan tabloid has published a list “exposing” the country’s “200 top” homosexuals, the day after the president signed a controversial anti-gay law.

The Red Pepper tabloid published the names and pictures in a front-page story with the headline, “EXPOSED!” – a day after President Yoweri Museveni enacted a law that states that homosexuality can be punished by up to a life term in prison.

The list included many well known Ugandan gay activists such as Pepe Julian Onziema, who has campaigned tirelessly against the law, claiming that it would spark violence against homosexuals, and GALA Award recipient Kasha Nabagesera, a well-known lesbian activist. After the story was published, Kasha tweeted, “The media witch hunt is back.”

US Secretary of State John Kerry said yesterday’s signing of the bill was “a tragic day for Uganda, and for all who care about the cause of human rights”.

He added, “Now that this law has been enacted, we are beginning an internal review of our relationship with the Government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values.”