In a positive judgement delivered by Justice Micheal Elubu, the Court declared that the refusal tantamounted to a violation of the non derogable right to a fair hearing and the right to liberty. For these violations, the Court awarded 5 million Uganda shillings (about USD 1340) to each of the accused persons and also awarded costs to HRAPF.
Kuchu Times Editor
Uganda’s LGBTIQ community has reason to jubilate amidst the COVID-19 hardships as an order for immediate release has this afternoon been issued for the #COSF19. This comes after the DPP withdrew all charges against the nineteen youth
The civil division of the High Court has granted Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) access to the #COSF19. Justice Micheal Elobu based the judgement on the un-rebutted evidence of continued denial of access to counsel for the accused persons.
The book to be launched is a response to the effects of COVID-19 and the resultant access (or lack thereof) to justice faced by LGBTI individuals throughout the country. It is therefore geared towards empowering LGBT paralegals across the nation to respond to the human rights violations that may arise during this lockdown.
Unfortunately, 23 people living at a shelter serving lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in Kyengera, a Kampala suburb, were arrested by Uganda Police force Officers and Local leaders in the disguise of effecting President Museveni’s directives of lockdown.
As the world continues to become lonelier than it already was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTIQ persons are taking even harder hits with the isolation. Tragedy befell the LGBTIQ community yesterday when 27-year-old Aneste Mweru from Uganda took his own life in Westlands in the Kenyan Capital of Nairobi.
“In times of crisis, emergency powers and agility are crucial; however, they cannot come at the cost of the rights of the most vulnerable,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Checks and balances that are the cornerstone of the rule of law must be exercised in order to prevent misuse of such powers.
Following the remand on 31st March 2020 of some of the 23 persons arrested during the raid on the Children of the Sun Foundation (COSF) Shelter in Kyengera, Wakiso district, HRAPF was able obtain further information and make yet unsuccessful attempts to get them released on bail.
On the morning of 29th March, a shelter for LGBT youth operated by Children of the Sun Foundations (COSF) was raided by residents, and security forces. 23 people found at the shelter were arrested. Two of the 23 were beaten upon arrest, and all the rest were subjected to taunts from the community due to their perceived sexual orientation.
On 24th March 2020, The Uganda Gazelle carried the new the public health rules in regards to the control of The COVID – 19 pandemic.