The news of the arrests comes a month after the U.S. and other nations began cancelling aid and enacting sanctions against the African nation, following the passing of anti-gay legislation.

On Wednesday, five men were arrested in the district of Pader in northern Uganda "suspected to be promoting the act of homosexuality in the district," reports the Ugandan newspaper the Daily Mirror. During the period of one week, police arrested the men thanks to the help of locals, who accused the men of promoting homosexuality in schools within the district.

The police confirm the arrest of the men and told the newspaper that they are still investigating. However, the Daily Mirror adds that the men allegedly went to primary and secondary schools promoting homosexuality to students, luring them "into the practice."

The men arrested are two businessmen, a teacher and two students. Romeo Ojara Onek, from the Pader Central Police Station, said, "The suspects' medical report is out and their files have been forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for advice, pending prosecution,"

However, at the same time as the arrests became public, the Ugandan government released a statement defending the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which was passed in February. The law punishes consenting adults with life sentences for consensual same-gender sexual relations and punishes "promoting" homosexuality, according to Human Rights Watch.

The government of President Yoweri Museveni released a statement saying that the law has been misrepresented by foreign nations. According to the statement, the law has been painted to be one that punishes gay people and discriminates against them; however, that is not the case.

"The Government of the Republic of Uganda reaffirms that no activities of individuals, groups, companies or organisations will be affected by the Act,"the statement says. "The intention of the Act is to stop promotion and exhibition of homosexual practices."

The government has issued this response as the United States cancels its aid to Uganda and has also said it will stop a military exercise with the African nation's military. According to Quartz, Norway, Sweden and Denmark have also pulled their aid money, which has negatively affected Uganda's economy.