Pepe Julian Onziema Archives - Erasing 76 Crimes

A challenge to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act began today in the country’s Constitutional Court.

Speaker Rebecca Kadaga addresses the Ugandan parliament. (File photo)

The suit argues that the law violates the constitutional right to equality before the law and rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and association. The challenge also protests that a quorum was not present when parliament voted for the bill on Dec. 20.

The bill, signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni on Feb. 24, has intensified a climate of fear among LGBT people in Uganda. Local tabloids have repeatedly outed alleged LGBT people in front-page stories, with photographs. Many have been harassed by neighbors and evicted by landlords; some have been arrested for questioning.

The LGBT rights organization Spectrum Uganda warned its members:

“Please do not come for the petitioning tomorrow at the Constitutional Court if you fear for your security. There is going to be plenty of media, so you are very likely to appear on TV later in the day.

“Take this seriously. Only those who do not mind can come, but the repercussions are graver than they seem, so take heed.”

The petition asks the Constitutional Court not only to overturn the law, but also to block it from being enforced in the first place.

It also asks for a gag order to prohibit publication of articles about adults who engage in consensual same-sex activity that “may bring such persons into public ridicule, odium and hatred.”

Andrew Mwenda (Photo courtesy of Stanford.edu)

At a press conference after the petition was filed, Andrew Mwenda, a journalist who is one of the petitioners, said, “This Act not only represents an effort by the Executive and Parliament to scapegoat an unpopular minority for political gain but we believe it also violates the highest law of our country.”

Other petitioners include activists Frank Mugisha, Julian Pepe Onziema, and Jacqueline Kasha Nabagesera; former Ugandan opposition leader Ogenga Latigo, and member of parliament Fox Odoi; professors Joe Oloka-Onyango and Morris Latigo; Dr. Paul Ssemugoma, and the local organisations Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) and the Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development (CEHURD).

The Anti-Homosexuality Law provides for:

Life imprisonment for same-sex intimacy involving penetration — the same punishment currently provided under existing Ugandan law.
Life imprisonment for anyone who “touches another person with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality.”
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni

Forced medical examinations for anyone accused of being HIV-positive and of committing homosexual acts, which is termed “aggravated homosexuality,” also punishable by life imprisonment.
Seven years in prison for attempts at committing “the offense of homosexuality.”
Life imprisonment for HIV-positive people who attempt to commit “the offense of homosexuality.”
Seven years in prison for anyone who “aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality.” LGBT rights activists fear that this provision and the next one will be used against them.
Life imprisonment for same-sex marriage. (The Ugandan constitution already prohibits same-sex marriage.)
Up to seven years in prison for conducting a same-sex wedding ceremony.
Imprisonment for seven years for the “director or proprietor or promoter” of a company or association that is convicted of “promoting homosexuality.” In addition, the organization’s certificate of registration would be canceled.

The law also provides for five to seven years in prison for:

Anyone who “attempts to promote or in any way abets homosexuality and related practices.”
Publishing “pornographic materials for purposes of promoting homosexuality.”
Anyone who “funds or sponsors homosexuality or other related activities.”
Anyone who “offers premises and other related fixed or movable assets for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality.” Landlords who rent to LGBT rights groups are liable to imprisonment too.
Anyone who “uses electronic devices which include internet, films, mobile phones for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality.”

Human Rights Advocates Challenge Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Law In Court (BuzzFeed)
Lawsuit filed challenging Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
Ugandans petition court over controversial anti-homosexuality law (trust.org)
Clergy Reacts to Uganda’s Controversial Bill (talkradionews.com)
Telecom Company Pulls Advertising from Ugandan Tabloid (hrc.org)
Draconian details of Uganda’s misguided new anti-gay law (76crimes.com)
Ugandan activists challenge anti-gay law in court (thestate.com)
Ugandan Lesbian Evicted, Landlord Cites ‘Jail the Gays’ Law (advocate.com)
Meet the American Pastor Behind Uganda’s Anti-Gay Crackdown (motherjones.com)
Why has so much of Africa suddenly become so intolerant? (csmonitor.com)

Amnesty International’s “Rule of Law” report on Uganda. (Click image for link to PDF file.)

Amnesty International is pushing for an end to repression in Uganda through a welcome strategy of including LGBTI rights issues in the context of that overall human rights violations, abuse of women, and limitations on freedom of assembly and access to health services.

It’s a strategy that aims to avoid the misinterpretation that seeking LGBTI rights is an attempt to claim special treatment for homosexuals.

Sarah Jackson of Amnesty International presents "Rule of Law" report to Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda (James Budeyo photo courtesy of Chimp Reports)

Sarah Jackson of Amnesty International presents the “Rule of Law” report to Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda (James Budeyo photo courtesy of Chimp Reports)

Amnesty’s new report, titled “Rule by Law,” shows that “Repression in Uganda is increasingly state-sanctioned through the use of blatantly discriminatory legislation that erodes rights guaranteed in the country’s Constitution,” said Sarah Jackson, Amnesty’s deputy regional director for East Africa.

In Amnesty’s presentations, those rights include:

The rights of women — “In the days after the Anti-Pornography Act was signed, women were harassed by the police, and one lawyer was threatened with arrest because of her clothing.”

The rights of LGBTI people — “The Anti-Homosexuality Act also led to LGBTI people being evicted from their homes and losing their jobs. LGBTI people and women were subject to mob attacks in the streets while the Anti-Homosexuality Act was in force and immediately after the Anti-Pornography Act was signed.”

The rights of every citizen to freedom of assembly — That right “has come under attack through the Public Order Management Act, which imposes wide-ranging restrictions on public meetings. … This legislation has led to police suppressing gatherings involving political opposition groups and crackdowns on activists. … [It] has had a devastating effect on the ability of civil society to organize, even stymieing attempts to challenge the laws themselves.”

The right to adequate health care — “The Anti-Homosexuality Act was … invoked to restrict certain assistance to refugees. Most services of the Refugee Law Project (RLP), an organization that supports asylum seekers and refugees, have been suspended by the authorities since March 2014 following trumped-up allegations that it was ‘promoting homosexuality’.

Patience Akumu (Photo courtesy of The Independent)

“The Anti-Homosexuality Act also compromised access to healthcare. A police raid on the Walter Reed Project, a HIV-research project, in April 2014 made some LGBTI individuals too scared to access healthcare.

“In June 2014, the Ministry of Health issued a directive affirming non-discrimination in access to healthcare. Despite these positive commitments, overall the ability of organizations to provide healthcare has been negatively affected by the Anti-Homosexuality Act.”

In presenting the new report, Amnesty officials were joined by supporters of human rights, women’s rights, and LGBTI rights, including Stephen Oola, a program manager at the Refugee Law Project; Pepe Julian Onziema, program director of Sexual Minorities Uganda; and journalist Patience Akumu, a supporter of women’s and LGBTI rights in Uganda.

For more information, see:

The full Amnesty International report “Rule by law: Discriminatory legislation and legitimized abuses in Uganda”
Simon Lokodo, Ugandan ethics minister, describes his treatment of LGBTI people during a PBS NewsHour interview.

News clip from NTV on Amnesty International’s appeal to the government. This includes a defense of the repressive laws by anti-gay Ugandan Ethics Minister Simon Lokodo: “We have the duty as government to put in place laws in order to maintain order.”
NTV’s interview with Sarah Jackson on the issue.
Commentary byMuthoniWanyeki, Amnesty International’s regional director for East Africa, published in The East African, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
- A statement by Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda after Amnesty International presented him with the report. (He said that “the government will review issues” that Amnesty raised.)
Amnesty International’s own article about the report, headlined “Uganda: Discriminatory legislation fuels repression and abuse.”

The cover of Bombastic’s first issue.

The Ugandan LGBTI community has launched its own magazine to tell their stories to the nation.

“Bombastic Magazine is a compilation of stories, testimonies and opinions by LGBTI Ugandans. The objective of this campaign is to end violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people countrywide,” the introductory press release states.

Supporters of the magazine are attempting to get a free copy of the magazine into the hands of each Ugandan — from local supermarkets or local volunteers. An online edition is available in cooperation with the affiliated African LGBTI media site Kuchu Times.

In the first edition, human rights defender and editor Kasha N. Jacqueline wrote:

“It is our desire that this publication will enlighten many Ugandans and people around the world who have been indoctrinated into believing that there is only one kind of sexual orientation and gender identity by religious persons and politicians who have conservative values.

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera (Photo courtesy of Amnesty.fr)

Bombastic editor Kasha N. Jacqueline (Photo courtesy of Amnesty.fr)

“We also hope that state-sanctioned homophobia via the laws that are being proposed will come to an end, and that instead we will be included in the national health policy. Driving LGBTI persons underground only continues to impede the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda and worldwide.”

Part of the motivation for launching the magazine is to respond to the typically anti-gay voices of most Ugandan media. LGBTI community member Ambrose said:

“Many have told our stories wrongly and we can’t accept the trend to continue. Here are our stories, narrated and shared by ourselves.”

The press release added:

“This magazine will also shed a light to readers on the extent of the marginalization and discrimination the LGBTI community in Uganda continues to face on a daily basis.

“We have been forced to live undignified lives; the authors of the stories are Ugandans who, through their voices, should be heard by policy makers and the general public, and hopefully, help to create a path for attitude change in a community that is continuously growing in homophobia and violence against this harmless group of Ugandan citizens. …

“Through Bombastic Magazine, we share our stories, realities of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, our health, religious, cultural and family issues, with the public as a peaceful call to respect and accept us as Ugandans; our sexuality does not make us any less Ugandan. …

“Many have told our stories wrongly and we can’t accept the trend to continue. Here are our stories, narrated and shared by ourselves.”

In an appeal to their fellow citizens, the magazine’s staff appealed to:

The media in Uganda to promote humanity, peace, unity and liberation as they report on LGBTI issues.
The government of Uganda to suspend all moves to introduce any further legislation that criminalizes our sexuality and gender identity and decriminalize already existing criminalization laws.
The general public to establish and sustain dialogue with the LGBTI community in the country and in multi-lateral spaces
Religious leaders to refrain from preaching and instigating hate within their congregations.

Articles in the 75 pages of the first edition of the magazine include:

Many accounts of LGBTI people coming out to their friends and families.
“I lost my job refereeing and coaching for being transgender.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Photo via WikiCommons Media)

A religion section, including writings by Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo; Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Anglican Canon Gideon Byamugisha, founder of the African Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS; and Pentecostal Bishop Carlton Pearson.
“Confessions of a Gay Naive Cleric: I clothed and schooled Bahati,” by the Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, an Episcopal priest.
“Bible says, Love your neighbor as yourself. Are you?”
“My story and experience as a lesbian.”
“Interview: Positive Living,” a Q & A with Stosh Jovan Mugisha, a 30-year-old transgender man, interviewed by Kasha Jacqueline.
“VK’s Diary: I would rather have friends than lovers.”
Juliet Victor Mukasa

“Exploring the Intersection of Religious Freedom and Human Rights.”
A health section, including basic information about HIV/AIDS and frequently asked questions about sexuality.
A transgender section, including “Why we have to live a lie to survive.”
“A belt for a bra,” an article that starts, “My name is Juliet Victor Mukasa, a 32 year-old transgender lesbian. It was someone’s story that liberated me. So I share my story here hoping it will liberate someone. …”
“My Pride Story” by Pepe Julian Onziema.
“Uganda Pride and My Detention” by Maurice Tomlinson.

This blog’s posts about Kasha Jacqueline
This blog’s posts about the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

Out and Proud Diamond Group honored African LGBTI heroes during London Pride. (Photo courtesy of Out and Proud Diamond Group)

Out and Proud Diamond Group honors African LGBTI heroes during London Pride. (Photo courtesy of Out and Proud Diamond Group)

Press release, modestly edited:

London Pride 2015

The African LGBTI organisation Out and Proud Diamond Group celebrated African LGBTI Heroes during London Pride 2015.

The group honored people who have stood up against anti-gay environments and regimes in Africa. Some of these heroes lost their lives during the struggle to liberate us and others against the injustices, discrimination, persecution, inequalities among others. Many of these heroes are still carrying on with the struggle for liberation amidst direct threats to their lives.

Tony Kitara, a Ugandan LGBTI activist with Out and Proud Diamond Group, said, ‘I feel privileged and humbled to honour my heroes. These people started the journey for liberation. It is our duty to finish it. They don’t get much appreciation and recognition like other heroes in Africa, but London has given us this opportunity to honour them.”

Out and Proud Diamond Group honors African LGBTI heroes David Kato and John (Long Jones) Wambere during London Pride. (Photo courtesy of Out and Proud Diamond Group)

Christine Amenya, a member of Out and Proud Diamond, said, “We are calling upon our governments in Africa to give us liberation such that we can honour these heroes on our continent as well. These people deserve more than we can do for their sacrifices for freedom of all African LGBTI people.”

The group’s director, Edwin Sesange, said, “We hope our message of honouring these heroes will be registered in people’s hearts and shed more light on the ongoing persecution of LGBTI people in Africa.

“We are calling upon all other Prides to continue remembering those who have stood up before us in order to pave the way for us. ”

Among those celebrated were:

David Kato Kisule (1964 – 26 January 2011) was a Ugandan teacher and LGBT rights activist, considered a father of Uganda’s gay rights movement and described as “Uganda’s first openly gay man.” He served as advocacy officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).

Eric Lembembe was murdered in Cameroon in 2013 for his work toward liberating LGBTI Africans. Lembembe was among the most prominent activists in one of Africa’s most hostile countries for sexual minorities. First as a journalist and later as executive director of CAMFAIDS, a Yaounde-based human rights organization, he documented violence, blackmail and arrests targeting members of Cameroon’s gay community. He was also a regular contributor to the Erasing 76 Crimes blog, which focuses on countries where homosexuality is illegal, and he wrote several chapters of a book released in 2013 on the global gay rights movement titled “From Wrongs to Gay Rights.”

Kasha Nabagesera and Pepe Julian Onziema are prominent Ugandan LGBTI activists.

Alice Nkom , co-fondateur de l'Association pour défendre les homosexuels ( ADEFHO ) au Cameroun (Photo gracieuseté de ChangingAttitude.org.uk ) Avocat camerounais Alice Nkom a été menacé de violence en raison de sa défense juridique des clients LGBT.

Alice Nkom, co-founder of the Association to Defend Homosexuals (ADEFHO) in Cameroon (Photo courtesy of ChangingAttitude.org.uk)

Alice Nkom is a Cameroonian lawyer well known for her advocacy of decriminalization of homosexuality in Cameroon. She studied law in Toulouse and has been a lawyer in Douala since 1969. At the age of 24, she was the first black woman called to the bar in Cameroon.

Dr. Frank Mugisha is a Ugandan LGBT advocate who has won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize for his activism.

Denis Nzioka is a sexual and gender minorities activist, consultant, researcher and journalist. His focus is on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer (LGBTIQ) communities as well as sex workers in Kenya and Africa.

Paul Kasonkomona

A Zambian court has acquitted a human rights activist on charges of promoting homosexuality, in a ruling hailed as a boost for gay rights in Africa. Paul Kasonkomona was charged with “soliciting for immoral purposes” after arguing for gay rights on a TV show in April 2013.

Rashidi Williams, Nigerian LGBTI activists, spoke to BBC News about his experience of being an openly gay man in Nigeria.

John Abdallah Wambere, popularly known as Long Jones, is a Ugandan LGBTI activist.

Val Kalende is one of the founding members of Sexual Minorities Uganda.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is well known for introducing a legislation allowing same-sex marriage in South Africa and spoke out against hatred towards LGBTI people.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, whose acceptance of LGBT people led to his ouster from the Church of Uganda.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, an outspoken Anglican bishop in Uganda, is well known for his support towards LGBTI people in Uganda and Africa at large.

Aba Taylor’s work helping LGBT Ghanians was highlighted in a 2012 documentary she directed, “Coming to America.”

Simon Nkoli was one of the first prominent black gay rights activists in South Africa. He also served as a leader of the anti-apartheid movement.

Jabulani Chen Pereira uses visual media in activism through their organization, Iranti-Org. Pereira identifies as gender queer, using the gender pronoun “they” rather than “he” or “she.”

Every scar on Mary Muthui’s head and body tell a story of the harsh persecution that gay Kenyans face every day. Mary is an LGBT activist in the east African country, and one of very few lesbians to come out in the media. Her work has made her a constant presence in the press – a positive for the movement, but something for which she, her girlfriend and her 12-year-old son have suffered dearly.

Joël Gustave Nana Ngongang (born 1982), frequently known as Joel Nana, is a leading African LGBT human rights advocate and HIV/AIDS activist. Nana’s career as a human rights advocate has spanned numerous African countries, including Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa, in addition to his native Cameroon.

Fannyann Eddy (Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Fannyann Viola Eddy (1974–2004) was an activist for lesbian and gay rights in her native Sierra Leone and throughout Africa. In 2002, she founded the Sierra Leone Lesbian and Gay Association, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone. She travelled widely, addressing the United Nations and other international groups. In April 2004, she advocated the passing of the Brazilian Resolution at the UN in Geneva.

Eddy was murdered on September 29, 2004, when a group of at least three men broke into the office of the Sierra Leone Lesbian and Gay Association in central Freetown, gang-raped her, stabbed her, and eventually broke her neck.

Edwin Cameron (born 15 February 1953 in Pretoria) is a judge on the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He is well known for his HIV/AIDS and gay-rights activism and was hailed by Nelson Mandela as “one of South Africa’s new heroes.”

Leading Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina has come out to say he is gay, making him one of the most high-profile Africans to do so.

The Rev. Canon Kapya Kaoma, an Episcopal priest from Zambia and a project director at Political Research Associates in Massachusetts, discusses the politics of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law.

A recent upsurge in violence is targeting LGBTI people in Uganda. The legal aid organization HRAPF (the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum) reported:

HRAPF logo

HRAPF notes with concern that there are ongoing homophobic attacks against LGBTI persons. So far, five people have been attacked in a space of six days and beaten badly. All of them are known activists. The motive behind these attacks is still unclear.

As HRAPF we are doing all we can to get to the bottom of this issue. We appeal to the public to refrain from such stigmatisation and discrimination that fuels these attacks. The relevant institutions should take responsibility to address the situation.

HRAPF is doing everything possible to ensure that justice is served and that LGBTI persons in Uganda live in safe conditions.

To the LGBTI community, please keep safe and be vigilant. We stay with you, and we fight with you. Do not hesitate to contact any of our staff members and paralegals in case of anything. Taking human rights to all!!!

SMUG (Sexual Minorities Uganda, a coalition of Uganda LGBTI organizations) issued this statement, citing even more acts of anti-LGBTI violence and death threats:

Frank Mugisha, executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (Photo courtesy of Rafto Foundation)

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has condemned the seemingly on-the-increase attack on members of the LGBT community in the country.

Dr. Frank Mugisha, SMUG executive director, says, “It seems like the violence towards LGBT Ugandans is on the increase or it never stopped. Five violent attacks have occurred in less than 7 days. I strongly condemn the increasing violence and attacks on LGBT persons ask the Uganda authorities to investigate and hold accountable the perpetrators.”

SMUG program director Pepe Julian Onziema asks the LGBT community to be cautious of the current predicament. He says, “More than ever LGBT-identifying persons should be on the alert 24/7. Avoid walking alone especially in the night and going to LGBT-unfriendly places for their own safety.”

He emphasizes that LGBT persons have the right to dignity and to be protected against violence like any other Ugandan citizen.

Over the past five days in Kampala there have been at least eight Transgender persons affected by violence, received death threats and displacement from their places of residence.

Trans* persons over the past few days while being assaulted were told by their perpetrators, “We are tired of you people. We want you dead.”

Hate comments were made by a police officer: “You are bleeding from being attacked, why do people like you need medication?” She then grabbed a rifle and held it to the face of Jay, a trans man that was attacked on 17th October 2015.

Here are some brief accounts of the past 5 days in Uganda.

On the 17th October, SMUG’s administrator Diane Bakuraira was attacked at the gate of her home. Her attackers told her to stop dressing like a man, while repeatedly punching her in the face.
On the same day, Jay Mulucha and Apako Williams — known transgender activists — were attacked in the night at a sports bar called Legends, frequented by rugby players and sports fans. Apako and Jay had bottles flung at them, and group of rugby players repeatedly punched them. The bouncers of the bar joined in. Their bleeding bodies were flung against the metal bars at the back of the police van. Instead of arresting the attackers, these known national rugby players were escorted to their cars by the police.
Beyonce Karungi was attacked on Sunday night, 18th October at her home. She shares this home with four other trans women. They were all threatened, as the attackers (men) threatened to cut off their testicles. On the 21st October on her way to find a place to stay, Beyonce faced another group of men determined to kill her. She says that while she was being assaulted, the attackers kept saying, “Let’s remove her teeth.”
On the 20th October 2015, Joseph, a trans woman, was attacked by a known blackmailer. Sometime back, Joseph was being blackmailed by a man known to her. She filed a case at the police station and the file remains open as investigations continue. She faces repeated violence and threats.

Over the past days, organizations — namely Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), DPI, the MARPS Network, and Iranti-org — have come together to find ways of addressing the immediate crisis and also to find long-term interventions on security of LGBT-identifying persons.

Apako Williams and Jay Mulucha are still being treated like criminals instead of victims of a hate crime. They have to appear at Jinja Road Police Station. To date the perpetrators have not been arrested.

Transgender persons in Uganda fear and distrust the police. Beyonce said. “Going to the police to report a case can just worsen my situation. The police are homo- and transphobic.”

We are currently seeking ways to ensure that the LGBT community is aware that such attacks are on the rise, and that safety is a priority.

Violent Attacks on LGBTI Persons on the Rise within Kampala (Oct. 27, 2015, Kuchu Times)
An appeal to end attacks on LGBT people on Kenya’s coast (October 2015, 76crimes.com)
Ukraine: Weak response to attack on LGBTI rights defender (September 2015, 76crimes.com)
Ivory Coast police chief fired for ignoring anti-gay attack (September 2015, 76crimes.com)
Podcast exposes attack on LGBTI Nigerians at hotel (August 2015, 76crimes.com)
Morocco blames victim for anti-LGBTI mob attack (July 2015, 76crimes.com)
Another attack on a Cameroon activist; a plea for help (July 2015, 76crimes.com)
Seeking to save the eyesight of battered trans Ugandan (July 2014, 76crimes.com)

Ugandan activists are seeking international support for a petition to Simon Lokodo, the homophobic Minister of Ethics and Integrity, urging him to stop violating the LGBTIQ community’s right to peaceful assembly.

From the African Human Rights Media Network

Celebrating Pride in Uganda — before the police arrived. (Photo courtesy of SMUG)

The petition comes from the advocacy group Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) as LGBTIQ rights activists prepare for next month’s scheduled Pride celebrations, even though Lokodo and Ugandan police have disrupted many similar events in the past.

People signing the petition declare:

We urge the Minister of Ethics and Integrity to desist from intimidating LGBTIQ leaders, shutting down peaceful LGBTIQ events, use of excessive force on unarmed, non-violent citizens and abuse of public resources.

As part of the petition, SMUG prepared an account of some of the previous violations of Ugandans’ right to assembly:

STOP the violation of Ugandan LGBTIQ right to peacefully assemble

In 2012 Ugandan Ethics and Integrity minister raided a gay rights conference and demanded that one of the organizers be arrested for insulting him. Hon. Simon Lokodo was accompanied by police to a hotel where he told activists their workshop was an “illegal assembly” and ordered them out.

On August 4, 2016 – the third night of the week-long Ugandan LGBTIQ Pride celebrations – a vibrant pageant underway at Kampala’s Club Venom to crown Mr/Ms/Mx Uganda was brutally and unlawfully raided by the Uganda Police Forces officers.

Police claimed that they had been told a “gay wedding” was taking place and that the celebration was “unlawful” because police had not been informed (police in fact had granted prior permission for the celebration and were fully aware). The police locked the gates of Club Venom, arrested more than 16 people — the majority of whom are Ugandan LGBTIQ rights activists —and detained hundreds more under gun point for over 90 minutes, beating people, humiliating people, taking pictures of LGBTIQ Ugandans and threatening to publish them, and confiscating cameras and phones.

In 2017, Pride was crashed. Despite significant efforts by the community to engage with the authorities, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity Hon. Simon Lokodo threatened the movement specifically SMUG leadership with arrest, violence, and police presence at the intended Pride venues. Lokodo has repeatedly interrupted, shut down and continued to do everything in his power to intimidate, coerce and invade basic human rights to Ugandan LGBTI persons, the very rights that are inherent and engraved in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda according to Article 29 . Organizers had no choice but to cancel the festivities. The entire community was still traumatized after the violent response to Pride in the previous year and did not want to risk a repeat incident.

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) a network of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex organizations in Uganda strongly came out and condemned Lokodo’s directive that led to the halting of the Pride Uganda 2017 opening Gala scheduled for 16th August “Pride is about celebrating who we are, giving courage and hope to those LGBTI individuals who are living lonely and isolated lives in hostile communities, for them to know they are not alone,” said Dr. Frank Mugisha, the Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda. Utterly appalled by the Minister’s actions he adds “We shall not allow this intimidation, the constitution grants us freedom of assembly, the struggle will go on.” Dr. Frank Mugisha, the Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda.

In 2018 Lokodo blocked the first ever Key Populations conference that was organized to address the HIV/AIDs scourge. “My duty is to stop anything that will position the moral fabric of Ugandans. I realized that there was something dirty when I saw leaders of the conference like Nicholas Opiyo of an organization known as Chapter Four and Frank Mugisha of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG),” Mr Lokodo said, adding that the two are people of high declared position in support of homosexuality.

Closure of IDAHOBIT — Lokodo ordered heavily armed police to close the event terming it an exhibition and promotion of homosexuality in Uganda. These instructions are unlawful and should not be enforced.

Stopping LGBTIQ focused events is a blatant violation of these rights and freedoms, and a failure of the State to fulfill its obligations to protect, respect and fulfill the rights of its citizens. We note with concern that these violations are occasioned by the Uganda Police on the instructions of the Minister of Ethics and Integrity, who has publicly declared a war against what is termed as exhibition and promotion of homosexuality in Uganda. These instructions are unlawful and should not be enforced

Pepe Julian Onziema (Photo courtesy of VisionAndVoiceAward.com)

This is a direct attack on LGBTI citizens’ right to peacefully assemble,” stated Pepe Julian Onziema, SMUG’s Programs Director/In-charge of Advocacy. Ironically this comes as SMUG marks the 10th anniversary of our ‘Let US Live in Peace’ campaign held in 2007. It is heart drenching that we are still saying the same today. Let us live in peace.

Earlier this year while attending the monthly Social Friday gathering at Freedom And Roam Uganda-FARUG offices, some LBQ women were arrested and temporarily detained at the local police station where officers ridiculed them and called them all sorts of derogatory names . They were not charged with any offense and were released when the FARUG Communications Officer stood surety for them.

While organizing International Women’s Day celebrations, this year organizers approached the chairman who sits at the local police station to notify them about the women’s day celebration at FARUG offices in accordance with the public order management act. The chairman okayed the event. A police officer joined the conversation uninvited and alleged he received “orders from above” to stop all LGBTIQ related gatherings “because such gatherings are gay weddings”.

The police continually cite the Public Order Management Act and the Penal Code section 145, both which allow for tyrannical authorities to abuse and violate the human rights of LGBTIQ people in Uganda.

We urge the Minister of Ethics and Integrity to desist from intimidating LGBTIQ leaders, shutting down peaceful LGBTIQ events, use of excessive force on unarmed, non-violent citizens and abuse of public resources.

This petition is made on behalf of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).

More about the work of SMUG: https://sexualminoritiesuganda.com/

Source: Rights Africa

Quick history of Uganda Pride from this blog:

2012 — Photos: Police raid Uganda pride celebration
2013 — Uganda Pride: So far, so peaceful
2014 — Kuchus’ Day Out: a time to celebrate despite anti-gay law
2014 — Uganda: Party-style Pride after victory in court
2014 — Uganda: Why celebrating Pride matters so much
2015 —Peacefully, LGBTI Ugandans celebrate 4th annual Pride
2016 — Police lockdown at Ugandan pride event
2016 — For safety, Ugandan activists delay Pride parade
2016 — Police block Uganda’s fifth annual Pride Parade
2017 —Under threat, activists cancel Pride Uganda 2017
2018 — Protests greet shutdown of LGBTI rights event

The post Petition to Uganda: Let us celebrate Pride peacefully appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

A challenge to Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act began today in the country’s Constitutional Court.

The LGBT rights organization Spectrum Uganda warned its members:

“Please do not come for the petitioning tomorrow at the Constitutional Court if you fear for your security. There is going to be plenty of media, so you are very likely to appear on TV later in the day.

“Take this seriously. Only those who do not mind can come, but the repercussions are graver than they seem, so take heed.”

The petition asks the Constitutional Court not only to overturn the law, but also to block it from being enforced in the first place.

It also asks for a gag order to prohibit publication of articles about adults who engage in consensual same-sex activity that “may bring such persons into public ridicule, odium and hatred.”

The Anti-Homosexuality Law provides for:

Life imprisonment for same-sex intimacy involving penetration — the same punishment currently provided under existing Ugandan law.
Life imprisonment for anyone who “touches another person with the intention of committing the act of homosexuality.”
Uganda President Yoweri Museveni

Forced medical examinations for anyone accused of being HIV-positive and of committing homosexual acts, which is termed “aggravated homosexuality,” also punishable by life imprisonment.
Seven years in prison for attempts at committing “the offense of homosexuality.”
Life imprisonment for HIV-positive people who attempt to commit “the offense of homosexuality.”
Seven years in prison for anyone who “aids, abets, counsels or procures another to engage in acts of homosexuality.” LGBT rights activists fear that this provision and the next one will be used against them.
Life imprisonment for same-sex marriage. (The Ugandan constitution already prohibits same-sex marriage.)
Up to seven years in prison for conducting a same-sex wedding ceremony.
Imprisonment for seven years for the “director or proprietor or promoter” of a company or association that is convicted of “promoting homosexuality.” In addition, the organization’s certificate of registration would be canceled.

The law also provides for five to seven years in prison for:

Anyone who “attempts to promote or in any way abets homosexuality and related practices.”
Publishing “pornographic materials for purposes of promoting homosexuality.”
Anyone who “funds or sponsors homosexuality or other related activities.”
Anyone who “offers premises and other related fixed or movable assets for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality.” Landlords who rent to LGBT rights groups are liable to imprisonment too.
Anyone who “uses electronic devices which include internet, films, mobile phones for purposes of homosexuality or promoting homosexuality.”

Human Rights Advocates Challenge Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Law In Court (BuzzFeed)
Lawsuit filed challenging Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
Ugandans petition court over controversial anti-homosexuality law (trust.org)
Clergy Reacts to Uganda’s Controversial Bill (talkradionews.com)
Telecom Company Pulls Advertising from Ugandan Tabloid (hrc.org)
Draconian details of Uganda’s misguided new anti-gay law (76crimes.com)
Ugandan activists challenge anti-gay law in court (thestate.com)
Ugandan Lesbian Evicted, Landlord Cites ‘Jail the Gays’ Law (advocate.com)
Meet the American Pastor Behind Uganda’s Anti-Gay Crackdown (motherjones.com)
Why has so much of Africa suddenly become so intolerant? (csmonitor.com)

The post Uganda’s anti-gay law faces court challenge appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

It’s a strategy that aims to avoid the misinterpretation that seeking LGBTI rights is an attempt to claim special treatment for homosexuals.

In Amnesty’s presentations, those rights include:

The rights of women — “In the days after the Anti-Pornography Act was signed, women were harassed by the police, and one lawyer was threatened with arrest because of her clothing.”

For more information, see:

The full Amnesty International report “Rule by law: Discriminatory legislation and legitimized abuses in Uganda”
Simon Lokodo, Ugandan ethics minister, describes his treatment of LGBTI people during a PBS NewsHour interview.

News clip from NTV on Amnesty International’s appeal to the government. This includes a defense of the repressive laws by anti-gay Ugandan Ethics Minister Simon Lokodo: “We have the duty as government to put in place laws in order to maintain order.”
NTV’s interview with Sarah Jackson on the issue.
Commentary byMuthoniWanyeki, Amnesty International’s regional director for East Africa, published in The East African, based in Nairobi, Kenya.
- A statement by Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda after Amnesty International presented him with the report. (He said that “the government will review issues” that Amnesty raised.)
Amnesty International’s own article about the report, headlined “Uganda: Discriminatory legislation fuels repression and abuse.”

The post Uganda strategy joins gay rights to women’s rights, health appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

The Ugandan LGBTI community has launched its own magazine to tell their stories to the nation.

In the first edition, human rights defender and editor Kasha N. Jacqueline wrote:

Part of the motivation for launching the magazine is to respond to the typically anti-gay voices of most Ugandan media. LGBTI community member Ambrose said:

“Many have told our stories wrongly and we can’t accept the trend to continue. Here are our stories, narrated and shared by ourselves.”

The press release added:

“This magazine will also shed a light to readers on the extent of the marginalization and discrimination the LGBTI community in Uganda continues to face on a daily basis.

“We have been forced to live undignified lives; the authors of the stories are Ugandans who, through their voices, should be heard by policy makers and the general public, and hopefully, help to create a path for attitude change in a community that is continuously growing in homophobia and violence against this harmless group of Ugandan citizens. …

“Through Bombastic Magazine, we share our stories, realities of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, our health, religious, cultural and family issues, with the public as a peaceful call to respect and accept us as Ugandans; our sexuality does not make us any less Ugandan. …

“Many have told our stories wrongly and we can’t accept the trend to continue. Here are our stories, narrated and shared by ourselves.”

In an appeal to their fellow citizens, the magazine’s staff appealed to:

The media in Uganda to promote humanity, peace, unity and liberation as they report on LGBTI issues.
The government of Uganda to suspend all moves to introduce any further legislation that criminalizes our sexuality and gender identity and decriminalize already existing criminalization laws.
The general public to establish and sustain dialogue with the LGBTI community in the country and in multi-lateral spaces
Religious leaders to refrain from preaching and instigating hate within their congregations.

Articles in the 75 pages of the first edition of the magazine include:

Many accounts of LGBTI people coming out to their friends and families.
“I lost my job refereeing and coaching for being transgender.”
Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Photo via WikiCommons Media)

A religion section, including writings by Anglican Bishop Christopher Senyonjo; Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Anglican Canon Gideon Byamugisha, founder of the African Network of Religious Leaders Living with or Personally Affected by HIV/AIDS; and Pentecostal Bishop Carlton Pearson.
“Confessions of a Gay Naive Cleric: I clothed and schooled Bahati,” by the Rev. Canon Albert Ogle, an Episcopal priest.
“Bible says, Love your neighbor as yourself. Are you?”
“My story and experience as a lesbian.”
“Interview: Positive Living,” a Q & A with Stosh Jovan Mugisha, a 30-year-old transgender man, interviewed by Kasha Jacqueline.
“VK’s Diary: I would rather have friends than lovers.”
Juliet Victor Mukasa

“Exploring the Intersection of Religious Freedom and Human Rights.”
A health section, including basic information about HIV/AIDS and frequently asked questions about sexuality.
A transgender section, including “Why we have to live a lie to survive.”
“A belt for a bra,” an article that starts, “My name is Juliet Victor Mukasa, a 32 year-old transgender lesbian. It was someone’s story that liberated me. So I share my story here hoping it will liberate someone. …”
“My Pride Story” by Pepe Julian Onziema.
“Uganda Pride and My Detention” by Maurice Tomlinson.

This blog’s posts about Kasha Jacqueline
This blog’s posts about the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill.

The post LGBTI Ugandans tell their stories in their own magazine appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

Press release, modestly edited:

London Pride 2015

The African LGBTI organisation Out and Proud Diamond Group celebrated African LGBTI Heroes during London Pride 2015.

“We are calling upon all other Prides to continue remembering those who have stood up before us in order to pave the way for us. ”

Among those celebrated were:

Kasha Nabagesera and Pepe Julian Onziema are prominent Ugandan LGBTI activists.

Dr. Frank Mugisha is a Ugandan LGBT advocate who has won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and Thorolf Rafto Memorial Prize for his activism.

Rashidi Williams, Nigerian LGBTI activists, spoke to BBC News about his experience of being an openly gay man in Nigeria.

John Abdallah Wambere, popularly known as Long Jones, is a Ugandan LGBTI activist.

Val Kalende is one of the founding members of Sexual Minorities Uganda.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) is well known for introducing a legislation allowing same-sex marriage in South Africa and spoke out against hatred towards LGBTI people.

Bishop Christopher Senyonjo, an outspoken Anglican bishop in Uganda, is well known for his support towards LGBTI people in Uganda and Africa at large.

Aba Taylor’s work helping LGBT Ghanians was highlighted in a 2012 documentary she directed, “Coming to America.”

Simon Nkoli was one of the first prominent black gay rights activists in South Africa. He also served as a leader of the anti-apartheid movement.

Leading Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina has come out to say he is gay, making him one of the most high-profile Africans to do so.

The Rev. Canon Kapya Kaoma, an Episcopal priest from Zambia and a project director at Political Research Associates in Massachusetts, discusses the politics of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Law.

The post Honors for African LGBTI heroes at London Pride appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

A recent upsurge in violence is targeting LGBTI people in Uganda. The legal aid organization HRAPF (the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum) reported:

HRAPF logo

HRAPF is doing everything possible to ensure that justice is served and that LGBTI persons in Uganda live in safe conditions.

SMUG (Sexual Minorities Uganda, a coalition of Uganda LGBTI organizations) issued this statement, citing even more acts of anti-LGBTI violence and death threats:

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) has condemned the seemingly on-the-increase attack on members of the LGBT community in the country.

He emphasizes that LGBT persons have the right to dignity and to be protected against violence like any other Ugandan citizen.

Over the past five days in Kampala there have been at least eight Transgender persons affected by violence, received death threats and displacement from their places of residence.

Trans* persons over the past few days while being assaulted were told by their perpetrators, “We are tired of you people. We want you dead.”

Here are some brief accounts of the past 5 days in Uganda.

On the 17th October, SMUG’s administrator Diane Bakuraira was attacked at the gate of her home. Her attackers told her to stop dressing like a man, while repeatedly punching her in the face.
On the same day, Jay Mulucha and Apako Williams — known transgender activists — were attacked in the night at a sports bar called Legends, frequented by rugby players and sports fans. Apako and Jay had bottles flung at them, and group of rugby players repeatedly punched them. The bouncers of the bar joined in. Their bleeding bodies were flung against the metal bars at the back of the police van. Instead of arresting the attackers, these known national rugby players were escorted to their cars by the police.
Beyonce Karungi was attacked on Sunday night, 18th October at her home. She shares this home with four other trans women. They were all threatened, as the attackers (men) threatened to cut off their testicles. On the 21st October on her way to find a place to stay, Beyonce faced another group of men determined to kill her. She says that while she was being assaulted, the attackers kept saying, “Let’s remove her teeth.”
On the 20th October 2015, Joseph, a trans woman, was attacked by a known blackmailer. Sometime back, Joseph was being blackmailed by a man known to her. She filed a case at the police station and the file remains open as investigations continue. She faces repeated violence and threats.

Transgender persons in Uganda fear and distrust the police. Beyonce said. “Going to the police to report a case can just worsen my situation. The police are homo- and transphobic.”

We are currently seeking ways to ensure that the LGBT community is aware that such attacks are on the rise, and that safety is a priority.

Violent Attacks on LGBTI Persons on the Rise within Kampala (Oct. 27, 2015, Kuchu Times)
An appeal to end attacks on LGBT people on Kenya’s coast (October 2015, 76crimes.com)
Ukraine: Weak response to attack on LGBTI rights defender (September 2015, 76crimes.com)
Ivory Coast police chief fired for ignoring anti-gay attack (September 2015, 76crimes.com)
Podcast exposes attack on LGBTI Nigerians at hotel (August 2015, 76crimes.com)
Morocco blames victim for anti-LGBTI mob attack (July 2015, 76crimes.com)
Another attack on a Cameroon activist; a plea for help (July 2015, 76crimes.com)
Seeking to save the eyesight of battered trans Ugandan (July 2014, 76crimes.com)

The post Outbreak of anti-LGBTI attacks in Uganda appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

The LGBTQI+ community and human rights defenders in Uganda joined the international community on Nov 20 to commemorate the 22^nd Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR) with the theme “A Circle for Healing and Regenerating.”

From the African Human Rights Media Network

**Wave of Legacy Alliance initiative Uganda members observing Transgender Day of Remembrance in Kampala.**

TDoR is an opportunity to raise public awareness about the rights of trans persons, to honor and celebrate the lives of transgender people, and to grieve the lives lost as a result of transphobic attacks.

Numerous civil society organisations issued statements in commemoration of the day while others organized low-profile events.

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) issued a statement expressing concern over the continued violation of the rights of transgender persons.

“Even as we join the resistance of transphobia, transgender individuals face stigma, discrimination, abuse and violations of rights, their existence denied or ignored. For to transgress the binary is to go against the status quo,” SMUG stated in its statement.

Acts and threats of violence toward transgender individuals in Uganda worsened in 2020 due to the COVID-19-related lock downs as many transgender persons had no choice but to return to live with transphobic families. Many found themselves compelled to dress and live in the gender they were assigned at birth.

“On this day we draw attention and awareness to the continual violence against transgender people and issues that the community faces. We re-affirm our commitment to ensuring access to justice for transgender and gender diverse persons and the wider LGBTI community,” said the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum in a statement to commemorate the day.

**Members of Transgender Equality Uganda.**

In a statement signed by its Executive Director Ssenfuka J Warry, Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), an organisation that advocates for the rights of LBQ womxn, called on all Ugandans to take action to enhance the rights and lives of transgender people:

“We call on all Ugandans to recognize, remember, learn about and take action on Transgender Day of Remembrance in communities across Uganda.

“We believe that Trans Day of Remembrance in Uganda is necessary given the backdrop of harmful myths that exist about trans and gender-diverse persons. Trans identities are real without question. As we work to advance human rights, advocacy, safety and non-violence, we include trans men and gender-nonconfirming persons in our efforts.

**Transgender Ugandans such as Cleo Kambugu are fighting against transphobia and increasing the visibility of trans people in Uganda.**

“Saturday, November 20 is the 22nd TDoR. On this day we commemorate the trans lives lost to transphobia, violence, hate crimes, depression and COVID-19 in our communities, neighborhoods, nations and across the world. This is the day when we remember our dead and commit to fight for those living by publicly mourning and honoring the lives of those we have lost by raising awareness as we unify and amplify our voices to call out for change.

“Research shows that transgender and non-gender-conforming people experience extremely high rates of depression, unemployment, poverty, violence, and discrimination compared to their cis-gendered counterparts. Transgender men are almost twice as likely to report experiencing intimate partner violence than cis-identified men and are less likely to report violence to police and other authorities.

“Transgender and gender-nonconforming persons continue to report experiencing sexual or physical assaults due to their gender identity. Statistics and information on trans communities has continued to go under-reported. Trans communities are deeply impacted by social isolation, loss of families and lack of access to affirming health care.

“We therefore call upon everyone to take a place in the circle of healing and regeneration where draw strength from one another and take on the uncertainties of the future. FARUG remains committed to working towards identifying barriers and building the capacity of our members through advocacy, education, training and public awareness to work towards the full inclusion of trans communities.”

Pepe Julian Onziema, an out trans man who is director of programs at SMUG, says he has experienced both state and non-state abuse and violence as a trans person.

**Keem Bad Black uses social media to educate and create visibility of the trans community in Uganda. (File photo)**

“At SMUG we commemorate this annually to call upon cisgender Ugandans to step up, speak up and denounce transphobia and any form of hatred they have towards gender minorities. It is an opportunity to memorialize our trans siblings who have died or were killed because they dared to live as full and authentic human beings,” Pepe says.

In the past 12 months, 375 trans and gender-diverse people were reported killed globally, according to a report released by TGEU, formerly known as Transgender Europe. Of the reported killings worldwide, sex workers make up the majority of victims. A total of 4042 trans and gender-diverse people were reported killed in 80 countries between January 2008 and September 2021.

The post Ugandan transgender community marks Trans Day of Remembrance appeared first on Erasing 76 Crimes.

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