The law signed by President Yoweri Museveni provides for the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", an offense that includes transmitting HIV through gay sex.
The enactment drew immediate reprimands from Western governments and jeopardizes some of the billions of dollars in foreign aid the country receives each year.
US President Joe Biden has threatened aid cuts and other sanctions, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said the government is considering visa restrictions against Ugandan officials.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the law would affect Uganda's ties with international partners.
In the Ugandan government's first detailed comments since Museveni signed the bill, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi rejected the conviction.
"We don't consider homosexuality a constitutional right. It's just a sexual deviation that we don't promote as Ugandans and Africans," he said.
"While we appreciate the support we have received from partners, they must be reminded that we are a sovereign country and we do not legislate for the Western world. We legislate for our own people here in Uganda. So this kind of blackmail is not acceptable”.
