Despite the presence of laws and policies on rape and defilement- laws that specifically protect the victims, statistics show that violence against women and girls is on rise in Uganda. According to the Police annual report of 2018 (compared to that of 2017), an increase in the sexual gender based violence cases was registered.
November 2019
Several human rights organisations, both local and international, have since spoken up about up about this rather saddening and increasing prosecution of sexual and gender minorities in Uganda. Human Rights Watch released a statement (as shared below) on 17th November, condemning not only the persecution and witch hunt of LGBT Ugandans but also the continued use of forced anal examinations.
Following the unwarranted arrest of 125 people from Ram bar on Sunday 10th November 2019, a total of 67 have gone on to be remanded to Luzira prison. Human Rights Awareness and Promotion forum (HRAPF) secured bond for some of those that had been arrested while 67 who appeared in court were charged with being public nuisances and sent on remand where they await to reappear in court.
With several bars in and around Kampala selling Shisha, one can only wonder why Ram a bar that was most certainly going to be filled to capacity with LGBT+ identifying individuals was singled out for this operation. In the past, when such operations have been carried out, a number of bars within the city are raided but last night’s operation clearly targeted one venue.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangender (LGBT+) refugees in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi are staging a peaceful demonstration at the Refugee Affairs Secretariat (RAS) offices urging the concerned authorities to grant them movement passes allowing them to relocate from the main city to Kakuma Refugee camp.