It’s basically the same grift and it bears a striking resemblance to the one being attempted by Langa, who seeks to amplify his influence by overstating his reach. For instance, the group “One Million Moms” purports to represent a million individuals, despite estimates suggesting that their actual membership is nowhere near that figure. Similarly, Langa’s “concerned parents’ ‘ claim to speak on behalf of all parents in Uganda, despite the fact that even the most “concerned” parents are unfamiliar with Langa or what he does. These groups are also financially supported by the typical right-wing and religious backers, such as Family Watch International for Langa and the fundamentalist Christian American Family Association for “One Million Moms.” Furthermore, they are often not so eager to disclose the identities of these funders.
Kuchu Times Editor
One of the primary reasons they offered for their decision is that the law goes against their values. Just as you would not bring pork to a Muslim picnic, you should not anger the people who are lending you money by going against their fundamental values and beliefs. This does not negate your personal convictions; you do not become a Muslim because you honored their ideals and did not bring meat to their picnic. While laws and regulations are a little more complicated than that, violating an institution’s principles and values by criminalizing, imprisoning, and murdering the most marginalized members of the community it seeks to serve is an obvious justification for action.
‘Rather than attempt any convoluted and superficial mitigation measures, the law should be repealed. As in all countries, government press statements cannot nullify legislation. The only way forward is for Uganda’s courts to stand up for the principle of non-discrimination – already enshrined in our constitution – and rule that the law is unconstitutional as soon as possible,” said Frank Mugisha of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and Co-Convener of CFE.
It is a stark reminder that laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals not only perpetuate discrimination but also hinder economic growth, social inclusivity, and the overall well-being of a nation’s population. By taking a firm stance against such laws, the international community sends a powerful message that equality and human rights are non-negotiable values.
While similar increases in attacks against LGBTQIA+ communities are being reported by human rights organisations in other parts of the African continent, the escalation in Ethiopia is especially concerning due to the country’s religious history, current worsening socio-political climate, and growing nationalism.
The “Among You” podcast project stands as a powerful initiative aimed at humanizing the LGBT+ community in Uganda and the rest of the region. Through these brave individual stories, the project aims to break the silence, dismantle prejudice and drive societal change, ultimately fostering an inclusive and accepting society. We aim to listen, learn and stand in solidarity ensuring that no voice remains unheard and no story remains untold.
The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 undermines the comprehensive HIV response that has been successful in Uganda up to this point. The Act creates fear and stigmatization, making it difficult for marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, to seek HIV testing, treatment, and care. By pushing these populations into the shadows, the Act significantly impedes efforts to achieve the 2030 HIV targets.
It is important to note that this report does not present a comprehensive view of the situation for LGBTIQ people across the country as it contains only the cases that were reported to HRAPF through our legal aid network, and excludes cases reported to other legal aid service providers/ handled through other channels and those not reported at all. The report focuses on cases, which are defined as a separate set of facts involving the violation of laws or rights which are included in one file. Each case can therefore contain more than one violation against more than one individual.
Kuchu Times Media Group and Mend Initiatives are conducting a research study aimed at shedding light on the experiences of Individuals who have faced discrimination in the job market as a result of Uganda’s recently implemented anti-gay law. We believe that every individual deserves equal opportunities and fair treatment in their professional lives, irrespective of […]
We genuinely hope that as you go through these pages, for the queer community that this will be the beacon of hope you have been hoping for this Pride month. For the rest of the community, we hope through these pages you paint a picture of who LGBTQ+ are away from all the lies being peddled by the anti-rights movement.