Plans are in place to introduce a new anti-gay law in Uganda by the end of the year, a government minister has told the BBC.

According to the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the law will not refer specifically to homosexuality, but will clarify what it means by "unnatural acts", which carry a life-sentence.

A leaked copy of the new draft reveals that the "promotion" of homosexuality will be outlawed under the plans, with a sentence of seven years in jail.

"Exhibiting unnatural sexual practices" will also be made illegal.

This latest development follows the now-nulled Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) which came into force in March this year. President Yoweri Museveni signed the bill, despite earlier promising that he would not do so without "confirmation from scientists" that homosexuality is "not genetic, but a behaviour that is acquired".

Archbishop of York John Sentamu condemned this decision, declaring that: "No-one should have to live under the threat of violence and death, or live in fear because of the bigotry of others.

"Every person has the right to enjoy safety and security regardless of their beliefs or sexual orientation – we are all created in God's image and likeness," he said.

"We are all created by the God of love, and are of infinite worth in his sight."

The introduction of the law led to a sharp rise in persecution of gay people across Uganda, but was later ruled "null and void" because not enough representatives were in the room for the vote when it was passed by parliament in December 2013.

At the time, deputy regional director of Amnesty, Sarah Jackson, said getting rid of the bill was "a significant victory for Ugandan activists".

"Since it was first being floated in 2009, these activists have often put their safety on the line to ensure that Ugandan law upholds human rights principles," she added.

"We now hope that this step forward translates into real improvements in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people in Uganda, who have been trapped in a vicious circle of discrimination, threats, abuse and injustice for too long."

Gay-rights activist Frank Mugisha told the Guardian that the new law is no different to the last, and is likely to lead to increased persecution against gay people once again.

"They have just twisted the language but it is the same thing. It's actually worse because the 'promotion' part is harsher and it will punish the funding of LGBT and human rights groups," he said.