“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.”
Kuchu Times Editor
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.
Ubuntu Tales comes at a crucial time when the need for inclusive narratives and the recognition of diverse experiences is more pressing than ever. For many in our communities, living in a context that is inherently patriarchal, homophobic, and transphobic means facing daily threats of violence, subjugation, and denunciation. The Ubuntu Tales docuseries sheds light on these challenges while celebrating the resilience and courage of those who stand up for justice and equality.
The relevance of the Ubuntu Tales to our community cannot be emphasized. By capturing and sharing the lived experiences of SOGIESC human rights defenders, the series aims to dismantle harmful stereotypes and foster a deeper understanding of sexual and gender diversity. These narratives are essential in challenging societal misconceptions and prejudices, promoting a culture of empathy and solidarity.
Faith and human rights are not mutually exclusive; rather, they can complement each other in the pursuit of justice and equality. This campaign seeks to foster a meaningful dialogue on the intersection of faith and human rights, challenging faith communities to reflect on their values and teachings. By engaging religious leaders and congregations, Women of Faith in Action encourages a reinterpretation of religious texts and doctrines in ways that affirm the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
Uganda’s anti-homosexuality laws offer plentiful reasons for transgender, gay and other gender and sexual minorities to seek asylum abroad. But some heterosexual people have seen an easy ticket out for themselves.
This moment of triumph in South Africa starkly contrasts the grim reality faced by the LGBTIQ+ community in other parts of the continent. For instance, Uganda passed a draconian law that criminalize same-sex relationships and impose severe penalties on those found guilty of homosexual acts. These laws, often used as political tools to galvanize support from conservative constituents, are a gross violation of human rights and have been widely condemned by international human rights organizations.
This story was originally published by Global Press Journal. WAKISO, UGANDA — Livingstone remembers his first and only sexual encounter with a man. It was when he was in prison in 2016, serving one year for insulting a police officer. Three months into his incarceration, an inmate who had been kind to him asked for […]
The Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, signed into law on May 29, 2023, criminalizes homosexuality, aggravated homosexuality, promotion of homosexuality, and mandates the reporting of suspected LGBTQ+ persons. Despite legal challenges, the law was upheld by the Constitutional Court of Uganda, with only a few sections nullified. This has resulted in widespread violence, discrimination, and human rights abuses against LGBTQ+ individuals, perpetuated by misleading campaigns and misinformation.
The report documents 1,031 cases directly affecting 1,043 LGBTQ+ persons, encompassing multiple human rights violations and abuses.
Black Pride seeks to bring global attention to this harsh reality. It is a reminder that while some parts of the world celebrate with rainbows, others are enveloped in darkness. This campaign is a plea for recognition, support, and solidarity from the international community.
Black Pride is not just for Uganda. It extends to all regions where LGBTQ+ individuals face similar struggles. In countries ravaged by war and political instability, the situation is even more dire. In such climates, survival often takes precedence, and the rights and lives of queer individuals are frequently overlooked. Black Pride aims to shine a light on these neglected stories and amplify the voices of those who cannot speak out.
Kuchu Times Media Group with support from Urgent Action Fund-Africa conducted a qualitative research on the policies Uganda has in place regarding Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and how these policies affect LBQT persons in Uganda. As the world gears towards the International Day of Action for Women’s Health on May 28th, it is important […]