With the economic space being one of the most problematic areas for Uganda’s LGBTI community, projects like FARUG’s economic empowerment initiative continue to bring to the fore front the skills that are so often not recognized in Uganda’s sexual and gender minorities’ community and also provide a source of livelihood to many.
current uganda
This is not the first blackmail case being reported from the Ugandan LGBTI community, there have been a number of similar cases reported with the number hiking after the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in 2013.Also, just a couple of weeks ago, a number of gay men from Bwaise were enticed to a deserted place where they were tortured. They too met their torturers on facebook.
Tranz Network therefore used such issues a basis to embark on a journey to create a space where their members can regain self-esteem as well as advocate for their rights. Tranz Network Uganda has also registered some remarkable achievements ever since its inception. They work through public education, speak openly about their identity telling the masses about who they are and the challenges they face. TNU has also strived to make sure that they sensitize Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual persons about trans issues, expounding more on the concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity.
I am a strong woman but when I reached Wagagai, I broke down, I sat and cried for close to twenty minutes, I cried because I was happy to have achieved my dream, I cried because of the struggles we go through, I cried for my country and the government plus other communities which don’t regard us as human beings and I cried because I made it.
Several activists and members of the community were arrested and later released with no charges. Some of the arrested were tortured by inmates as officers offered a deaf ear to the ongoing anguish in the cells. Pride was cancelled as Minister of Ethics and Integrity Father Simon Lokodo threatened to organize mobs and more forces to attack anyone who was brave enough to participate in any of the pride events that had been organized.
Tears rolled down Wahab’s face as he talked about his son.” I am his mother and father; and sometimes I can’t even afford to pay school fees for my own child, this breaks my heart,” he narrates. He however explains that he has a Congolese friend who has took him in and thanks God for this miracle. The lady has been a stronghold for Wahab and has also taken on helping his (Wahab’s) son whenever she can.
The Uganda Kuchu Aquatics team led by Diane Bakuraira has been a source of inspiration, hope and joy during a time that many characterize as turbulent. The group of five consisted mainly of people who were first time competitive swimmers and they have managed to wreck in over twenty gold medals. They also got first position in the small teams category; a prize they say they don’t take for granted having been first time competitors at IGLA.
The African Charter on Human and People’s Rights(African Charter) and the Resolution #275 on Protection against Violence and other Human Rights Violations against Persons on the basis of their real or imputed Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity respectively, call for members states to refrain from subjecting their citizens from cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and to ensure timely investigation and prosecution of all perpetrators of violence against person based on the sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.
At least since 2014 the situation has become very critical,” explains Grazia Paoleri of Soleterre, a non-governmental organization that in the African state promotes health and pediatric interventions, and since some years ago carries on a defenders protection program (defenders are people or organizations involved in defending and promoting human rights).
Following this meeting, the organizing committee released a statement canceling the Parade. They said they had taken this decision with the safety of the people in mind. However, even with the main event cancelled, people met up in small groups and shared their ‘personal Pride’ pictures on social media.