Today, as we commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance, Kuchu Times Media Group pauses to honor the lives of transgender individuals who have been brutally taken from us due to hatred and violence. This day is not just a moment for reflection but also a call to action—a reminder of the urgent work needed to create a world where transgender people can live freely, authentically, and safely.
In Uganda, 2024 has been a devastating year for transgender individuals. The passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) 2023 created an environment of heightened hostility, legitimizing acts of discrimination, violence, and erasure. While presented under the guise of “protecting traditional values,” this draconian law has done the opposite: it has targeted transgender Ugandans, putting their lives at risk and forcing many into hiding.
The AHA 2023 criminalizes individuals for simply existing, fostering a culture of fear and emboldening those who seek to harm transgender and other LGBTQ+ persons. It has weaponized morality against a community that has long been part of Uganda’s cultural and social fabric. History shows us that transgender people have always existed in Africa. Indigenous communities often recognized and respected gender-diverse identities, integrating them into society as healers, leaders, and cultural custodians. The narrative that transgender persons are “un-African” is a modern imposition, rooted in colonial-era laws and prejudices rather than African traditions.
Despite this historical truth, transgender Ugandans now face threats, violence, and even death simply for being who they are. The AHA 2023 has worsened an already dire situation, with cases of harassment, public outing, and even physical assaults increasing since its enactment. For many, even basic rights—accessing healthcare, securing employment, or finding a safe place to live—are now out of reach.
On this Transgender Day of Remembrance, we mourn the lives lost to this state-sanctioned violence and the lives stolen by hate-fueled actions across Uganda and the continent. These individuals were someone’s child, sibling, friend, and neighbor. They had dreams, talents, and contributions to make to society, and their loss is a tragedy for us all.
But as we grieve, we also stand firm in our commitment to fight for justice. Kuchu Times Media Group remains steadfast in its mission to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda, document their lived realities, and challenge narratives that seek to dehumanize them. We will not be silenced in the face of oppression.
We call on allies, policymakers, and human rights defenders worldwide to act. The lives of transgender Ugandans—and indeed all LGBTQ+ persons—must be protected. Laws that incite violence and discrimination must be repealed, and justice must be pursued for those who have been harmed.
To the transgender community in Uganda and beyond: we see you, we value you, and we stand with you. You are not alone. Together, we will continue to fight for a future where your existence is celebrated, not criminalized.
May we never forget those we have lost, and may their memory fuel our resolve to build a world where every person can live with dignity and pride.
