“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.”
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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.
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.
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 […]
The Church of Uganda, which is a member of the Anglican Communion, was established in 1887 by missionaries of the Church Missionary Society from England. It became an autonomous province alongside Rwanda and Burundi in 1961, and a province on its own in 1980 with its own governing structure. Its congregants, called Anglicans, make up about 32% of Uganda’s population, second to Catholics, at 39%.
The rift between the Church of Uganda and the Canterbury Cathedral over sexuality isn’t new or unique to Uganda. Since the consecration of a gay bishop in the United States in 2003, there have been disagreements between Canterbury and other churches within the Anglican Communion over doctrine, says Chris Tuhirirwe, a senior lecturer of religious studies at Makerere University.
Despite hopes for reform, the recent revisit of the Anti-Homosexuality Act did little to alleviate the plight of journalists and LGBTQ+ activists. The only revisions that were made in this regard were to allow for academic related publication of LGBTQ-themed work, the fundamental clause equating reporting with promotion remained intact. This subtle yet significant omission reaffirms the state’s commitment to censorship when it comes to LGBTQ reporting, perpetuating a culture of silence and invisibility.
As Ugandans, it’s time to confront a crucial question: Does consensual relations between adults of the same sex truly bother us to the extent that we are willing to sacrifice the principles of equality, dignity, and progress in our own country? Is the pervasive hate towards LGBTQ+ individuals a valid justification for enduring poor leadership and enduring the consequences of bad legislation? Are consensual relationships between adults of the same sex truly a threat to our society? Do they pose a danger to our families, our communities, or our way of life? No! Do you know what causes threats to our societies, when people who need services cannot access them because of laws created in prejudice. It is time to examine if really the whole nation is not serving time for this crime of being silent towards marginalization.