Ruth Muganzi, the programs director for Kuchu Times, said:
“The right to use our voices and our stories, to speak out and defend our lives, is a right worth fighting for. To be silent will never be an option. “
Kuchu Times Editor
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 Laws that incite violence and discrimination must be repealed, and justice must be pursued for those who have been harmed.
At its core, the toolkit is an educational resource that invites religious leaders to engage in critical reflection. Through clear explanations of commonly misunderstood scriptures, it offers new pathways for interpreting these texts in ways that honor the inherent dignity of every individual.
Additionally, the toolkit includes practical guides to facilitate open, honest dialogue within congregations, creating safe spaces for individuals to discuss their beliefs without fear of judgment or ostracization. By fostering these conversations, Women of Faith in Action hopes to inspire a cultural shift within faith communities—one where LGBTQ+ individuals are embraced as equal members.
Are you passionate about LGBTQ+ stories? Do you crave a space to connect with others and explore diverse narratives? Then “A Very Queer Book Club” is for you!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our book club dedicated to celebrating queer literature, with a special focus on voices of African and Ugandan authors. Join us as we delve into captivating stories, expand our understanding of queer experiences, and grow community.
A spokesperson for Open for Business said: “The evidence is now clear: the Anti-Homosexuality Act makes it harder for Uganda to foster a dynamic and diversified modern economy that attracts investors, tourists and skilled workers.
“Furthermore, not only has Uganda already made significant losses due to the introduction of this law, but these can only be expected to exacerbated further should the AHA remain in law without any amends or steps toward repeal. These are the steps Ugandan policy-makers should be considering in order to future proof their economy while creating a more liveable country for all citizens, not just those who are LGBTQ+.”
One of the most insidious challenges bisexual people face is what we call “double stigma.” On one hand, they often encounter prejudice from the heterosexual community, where they are dismissed as “indecisive” or “just experimenting.” On the other hand, they may face exclusion from the homosexual community, where they are sometimes viewed as not “gay enough” or accused of having “straight privilege.” This double-edged discrimination, known as biphobia, leads to feelings of isolation and marginalization that can take a toll on mental health and social inclusion.
This complacency has, in turn, fueled public confusion and anger about homosexuality. The government’s selective enforcement of the law—targeting LGBTQ+ individuals while ignoring the abuse they suffered at the hands of law enforcement—has only deepened the mistrust and fear surrounding this issue. When we say we are fighting for the repeal of the Anti Homosexuality Act, we are fighting for the decriminalization of consensual relations between persons of the same sex.
Applications are open until August 31st, inviting artists and activists alike to join this transformative journey towards leadership and empowerment. Together, we can create a ripple effect of change across Africa, driven by empowered and influential leaders committed to justice and equality for all. Apply now and be part of this transformative initiative!
“This is the next step in our demand for this horrific law to be thrown out and for our rights under theConstitution of Uganda to be respected and protected,” says Clare Byarugaba of Chapter Four Uganda and co-convener of CFE. “We have lived with the violence and discrimination of this law and its high time for ourJustices to see the error in the ruling of our Constitutional Court.”
Although in April the Constitutional Court of Uganda declared sections of the law that criminalize renting premises to LGBTQ+ people unconstitutional, evictions persist and anti-homosexuality sentiments continue to rise. Some of these cases have been documented by the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum, a local nonprofit. In February, they received reports of 32 evictions. The organization reports an increase in cases of violence and human rights violations based on sexual orientation, rising from three people in February to 20 in March. Some of these attacks are spilling over to service providers, such as lawyers, according to the nonprofit.