THEGAYUK

Tag: Uganda News

Get the latest LGBT+ Uganda news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Uganda, Africa.

  • Gay-friendly bar in Uganda raided, 125 arrested

    Gay-friendly bar in Uganda raided, 125 arrested

    According to a report, a bar in Kampala, Uganda known to be LGBT+ friendly was raided by police, resulting in the arrest of 125 people.

    The OutRight Action Internation campaign group a gay-friendly bar in the Ugandan town of Kampala was raided by police on Saturday night. According to their report around 125 were arrested and charged with drug possession which OutRight says is an indication of “an intentional and growing persecution” of gay people in the country.

    The bar in question is an LGBT+ friendly bar and has been used by local activists for community events for over seven years. It was the only bar raided on the evening in question, indicating a clear targeting of gay, lesbian, bi and transgender people. According to Kuchu Times, the people arrested are due to appear in court within the next couple of days.

    Kasha Jacquelin, a Ugandan LGBT activist, told OutRight:

    “The past has shown that it is difficult to prosecute anyone for being LGBT. Using trumped-up drug charges is a new and frightening tactic; one which is really hard to tackle and will make our battle even tougher.”

    Persecution of LGBT+ people has increased in Uganda in recent months, as rumours of the so-called “Anti-Homosexuality Act” which would impose the death penalty for same-sex relations have resurfaced.

    At least four people have been killed in suspected hate-motivated attacks. Arrests of LGBT+ people have also increased. Prior to the raid carried out on November 10th, 16 people were arrested and charged with “trafficking in persons” and “carnal knowledge against the order of nature” at the end of October.

    Increasing hate and stigma

    Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight Action International, commented:

    “The resurfacing of the anti-homosexuality bill in a country which already prescribes life imprisonment for same-sex relations could only have had one intention – to increase hate and stigma against LGBTIQ people, putting them at heightened risk of arbitrary detention and attack. That is exactly what is happening. The growing intensity of arrests, the clear targeting of an LGBTIQ friendly bar, makes it painfully clear that a witch hunt is being mounted against LGBTIQ Ugandans.”

    Is sex between men illegal in Uganda?

    Sex between males has been criminalised in Uganda since British colonial times. At the turn of the century, the law was extended to include sex between females.

    Articles on “unnatural offences” and “indecent practices” have been retained in the Penal Code since independence. “Carnal knowledge against the order of nature” between males carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

    jodylehigh / Pixabay

    The so-called “Anti-Homosexuality Act,” prescribing a death penalty for gay sex, was first passed by the parliament of Uganda in 2013 and signed into law by President Museveni in early 2014. It was invalidated by the Constitutional Court of Uganda on procedural grounds the same year.

    According to local activists, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity of Uganda, Simon Lokodo, has indicated an intention to reintroduce the bill.

  • Ugandan Government intends to introduce the death penalty for homosexuality

    Ugandan Government intends to introduce the death penalty for homosexuality

    Uganda’s Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Simon Lokodo, indicating that the Ugandan Government intends to introduce the death penalty for same-sex sexual acts in a so-called “kill the gays” bill.

    Amnesty International have called the reintroduction “outrageous” and have called the government to reject the legislation.

    Joan Nyanyuki, Amnesty International’s East Africa Director, said, “It is outrageous that instead of the Ugandan Government taking urgent steps to decriminalise gay sex, they want gay people executed. 

    “This is going to fire up more hatred in an already homophobic environment.

    “This is an example of how Uganda’s politicians are stoking dangerous intolerance and bias against LGBTI people. 

    “Uganda’s MPs must resoundingly reject any plan to legalise this kind of bigotry and witch-hunting of anyone who is perceived as being different.”

    Spate of recent killings

    Last weekend (5 October), Brian Wassa, a gay paralegal, died from head injuries sustained in an attack by unknown assailants the previous day at his home in Kampala.

    According to the LGBTI organisation Sexual Minorities Uganda, Wassa is the fourth LGBT+ person killed in the country in the past three months, killings which come in in the wake of a surge in anti-LGBT+ sentiments from political leaders. 

    Wassa’s death followed the killing of a trans woman from the Gomba district, a gay man in Kayunga district and another in the city of Jinja.

    The Government of Uganda has a track record of promoting anti-LGBTI policies, which Amnesty has repeatedly criticised.

    Death Penalty

    Where In The World Is Homosexuality Pubishable By Death
    CREDIT: TheGayUK

    There are many countries and states where homosexual acts could land you the death penalty. Of these countries, all are located in Central Africa or in the Middle East.

    Afghanistan

    Men could face execution but are more likely to receive long prison sentences. No executions are known to have been handed out since the end of the Taliban rule.

    Brunei*

    Gay men in Brunei could be stoned or given 10 years in prison if found guilty of homosexual acts.

    Iran

    In Iran gay men can be lashed up to 74 times for “immature men” and the death penalty for mature men of sound mind – and where the acts were consenting. Women can be lashed 50 times and can face the death penalty after their fourth conviction.

    Mauritania

    Homosexuality is against the law in Mauritania and could attract the death penalty however there have been no public executions since 1987.

    Qatar

    In Qatar, gay men may face execution if they are Muslim otherwise men can face fines and a prison sentence which lasts 7 years.

    Saudi Arabia

    A second conviction of homosexuality in Saudi Arabia will land a death penalty. For first offence, men can face fines, castration, flogging, prison and torture.

    Sudan

    Homosexuality has been illegal in Sudan since 1899. Death penalty occurs on the third offence for men and four offence for women. Advertisements 28 Year Old Student from London Became Rich After Watching This Video Newbitcoinrevolution Sponsored by Revcontent

    Yemen

    Married men can expect to be stoned to death if caught having same-sex relations. Unmarried men will receive 100 lashes or one-year imprisonment.

    Libya

    Gay men could face death in Libya.

    Nigeria

    Homosexuality is illegal in some states of Nigeria and could attract the death penalty. These states include: Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara

    Somalia

    Homosexuality is illegal in Somalia and could attract a death penalty.

    Syria

    The actual penalty that gay men should face for homosexual acts is a prison for up to 3 years, however, due to the rise in ISIS a highly advertised death awaits those found guilty of engaging in same-sex sexual acts.

    Iraq

    Despite homosexuality not being illegal in Iraq, there have been reported executions of gay men in ISIS controlled areas.

    * Brunei is a Sovereign state and not a country.

    There are some countries where although capital punishment might not be constitutionally ratified there are cases where gay people have been killed because of their sexuality.

  • Uganda’s President Says Oral Sex Is Wrong

    Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has said “outsiders” are trying to corrupt his people by convincing them to have oral sex. During a public speech on Sunday, Museveni said that oral sex is “wrong” because mouths are “meant for eating.” (more…)

  • INTERVIEW: Chris Urch on The Rolling Stone: Homophobia In Uganda

    Theatre can evoke many emotions – happiness, sadness, optimism, fear, anger and laughter…. but to be able to combine all of those emotions into one production shows just how powerful theatre can be.

    So when playwright, Chris Urch, decided to write a play about love and homophobia in Uganda, he was determined to ensure that the audience were taken on a journey which drew on a range of emotions and the result is a play which tackles the subjects with compassion, realism and in a way which allows the audience to connect with the characters and events portrayed, despite the disparity of the play’s setting and where it is being performed.

    The play is about Dembe and Sam, who have been seeing each other for a while. They should be wondering where this is going and when to introduce each other to their families. But they’re gay and this is Uganda. The consequences of their relationship being discovered will be violent and explosive. Especially for Dembe, whose brother goes into the pulpit each week to denounce the evils of one man loving another. The Rolling Stone tells the story of two lovers at odds with their society.

    The write of the play, Chris Urch, a Bruntwood Playwriting prize winner caught up with TheGayUK as the play opened its run at West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds.

    TGUK – Your new play, The Rolling Stone is a story about love, prejudice and homophobia in Uganda. How does the subject matter of the play resonate with the UK audience?

    CU – I’m not going to lie, my play The Rolling Stone is a hard sell. There’s no famous people in it. This is only my second play so my name isn’t of any help. And then there is the subject matter…. The play focuses on a Ugandan family who’s local paper is outing gay men and the repercussions of this are mighty and heartbreaking. The story is fictional but is based on truth. In Uganda it’s still illegal to be gay and this paper did ‘out’ men, some gay, some not. These men’s lives were utterly destroyed. Some went to jail, some had to leave town, some were killed….Yes, the play is about an important subject, prejudice. A subject most of you readers have probably experienced in one form or another. And yes, throughout the play there is the story of two men in love who have been represented as people not lazy stereotypes. But at the plays heart is the subject of family, something a huge amount of us can relate to. How far will we go for the people we love? Can we support those closest to us when who they are goes against our own beliefs and morals? Why should we love our families when they can’t seem to love us?

    TGUK – And the play has been critically well received to date….

    CU – In late 2013, the play won the Bruntwood award which is the biggest playwriting competition in the country and I’m mighty proud of the production which has transferred from the Manchester Exchange to the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

    TGUK – Does your playwriting come from a love of theatre from a very young age?

    CU – I write plays for people who don’t go to the theatre. People who don’t think the theatre is for them. I was raised on a diet of television and VHS movies but no theatre other than the local pantomime. Come to think of it, I don’t think I saw a play until I was eighteen.

    TGUK – So what does theatre give us that film and TV doesn’t?

    CU – Well, it gives us the live experience. Where else do you sit in a room made up of people you mostly don’t know, turn off your phone, turn of your email, your Facebook and Twitter and all watch people pretending to be other people. Sounds bonkers and maybe it is. But some of the best nights of my life have been sat watching someone say or go through something that I’ve felt, experienced or know. That feeling of being less alone. I believe great theatre should make you laugh, cry and gasp but most importantly when I sit down to write a play my mantra is I WILL TRY NOT BORE MY AUDIENCE. So when writing this play I thought about you the audience. That’s why there’s lots of laughter, a few tears and always an audible gasp.

    TGUK – So a completely different experience in your view?

    CU – Absolutely, I say “put down the Netflix for a night and come and let me and six incredible actors tell you a new story”.

     

    The Rolling Stone is currently playing at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds until 23rd May 2015. For full details, tickets and information, visit www.wyp.org.uk or call the box office on 0113 213 7700.

     

     

  • Ugandan President Sent Book On Gay Animals

    The German online dating company Gleichklang.de has sent a book on homosexuality in animals to the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni.

    (more…)

  • FNUR Responds To Uganda LGBTs Murder False Allegations Claims

    Yesterday, THEGAYUK reported that up to 6 LGBT men and women had been killed, by stoning, in Uganda. A number of complaints have been made about the validity of the source for the article.

    THEGAYUK published the article on the basis of this press release, that was written by the Safe Passage Fund supported by Friends New Underground Railroad (FNUR), a Quaker organisation based in Olympia, Washington.

    When we ask the FNUR to clarify and give validity of the claims made in the press release, they responded with this statement:

    ‘The press release is by Anne-christine d’Adesky, Founder of Safe Passage Fund – with input from Friends New Underground Railroad.

    Friends New Underground Railroad (FNUR) is a project of Olympia Friends Meeting (Quakers).

    Home

    We are aware that there are claims that that “there is no truth to the claims made in the release.”

    We – the Quakers in Olympia, WA and the activists we support in Uganda – all understand the importance of corroborating the work they are doing. FNUR reports as much information as we can and operate this project as transparently as we are able – while protecting the identities of those whose work we support. They are on the ground working to save others. The safety and well being of the activists/conductors and their passengers is our reason for creating FNUR and it is our only consideration. We respect and follow what the security team and others we work with in Uganda ask us to reveal or not to media folks and others.

    It is unclear to us if they are calling us liars who are conning people, or dupes who have been conned and are too stupid to realize it. Or both.

    It really doesn’t matter. We are not doing this for those people’s approval.

    There is a lot of information on the FNUR website
    http://friendsnewundergroundrailroad.org/
    Updates are posted on the FAQ page and our blog.’

    THEGAYUK also reached out to the Quaker organisation in the UK, to ask whether they had heard of FNUR, they replied,

    ‘Thanks for your enquiry about Friends Underground Railroad. After our conversation I asked other staff about this work and they had no further information to add. As I mentioned on the ‘phone, we are aware that some American Quakers are involved. Quakers in Britain, have not to our knowledge, been involved and therefore I’m unable to verify your story.’

    THEGAYUK continues to research the claims made by the press release, and will endeavour to bring you an update shortly.

  • UPDATED: Crisis in Uganda: Six LGBTs murdered in Uganda in a week

    Unconfirmed reports are being made that at least six LGBT people have been stoned to death in Uganda, after the Country’s Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) was annulled.

    We are in the process of validating this story – to read the full statement by the Friends New Underground Railroad, please click here.

    Ugandan LGBT activists have reported that at least 6 gay, lesbian and transgender individuals have been killed in rural areas of the African nation.

    Three gay men, two lesbians and one transgender person were allegedly amongst the victims.

    ‘One who survived (still breathing after stoning) was burnt alive using kerosene / paraffin and a matchbox,’ a witness and a source to the Friends New Underground Railroad FNUR, a Quaker solidarity imitative helping LGBT people in Uganda, stated, according to this press statement.

    A seventh gay man was reported to have been attacked, by a mob. He died from his injuries a day later.

    According to the source, a rural vigilant mob attacked the 28-year-old gay man in a different zone on August 5th. ‘I went to the scene,’ wrote the eyewitness in an email. ‘I saved him, when I lied to the mob that let me take him to the police.’

    The witness stated that he was able to convince the mob he would deliver the victim to the police, but instead put him on a boda boda, (motorcycle) and rescued him. The victim was later denied medical care, he alleged, because he lacked funds to pay.’

    The news comes after around 200 LGBT activists and allies celebrated the annulment of the AHA.

    On August 1st, Uganda’s AHA (Anti-Homosexuality Act) was annulled after it was discovered that the bill was passed without Quorum.

    However 215 of 375 MPs have already signed a petition to reintroduce and ‘fast-track’ a revised law.

    ‘I am confident we shall have the bill retabled and passed into law overwhelmingly,’ MP Latif Ssebaggala told IRIN News.

    The repealed AHA calls for up a 14 years sentence for anyone found guilty of “homosexual acts” and a life sentence for those convicted of “aggravated” offenses – such as those committed by HIV-positive individuals, or involving the disabled, minors or serial offenders.

    The promotion of homosexuality is outlawed, and citizens have been urged in the media to denounce and ferret out presumed LGBT people.

    A wave of evictions has also followed, as families and landlords kicked out LGBT individuals, fearing arrest themselves under the AHA.

    TheGayUK hasn’t been able to confirm these reports.

    We reached out to FNUR for comment on whether the accusations were true, a statement from the organisation stated,

    ‘The press release is by Anne-christine d’Adesky, Founder of Safe Passage Fund – with input from Friends New Underground Railroad.

    ‘We are aware that there are claims that that “there is no truth to the claims made in the release.”

    ‘We – the Quakers in Olympia, WA and the activists we support in Uganda – all understand the importance of corroborating the work they are doing. FNUR reports as much information as we can and operate this project as transparently as we are able – while protecting the identities of those whose work we support. They are on the ground working to save others. The safety and well being of the activists/conductors and their passengers is our reason for creating FNUR and it is our only consideration. We respect and follow what the security team and others we work with in Uganda ask us to reveal or not to media folks and others.’

  • Gay Ugandans Hold Pride After Anti-Homosexuality Bill Annulled

    Hundreds of LGBTs and allies have turned out to a Pride event in Uganda after the annulment of the anti-homosexuality bill.

    Around two hundred people turned up to a pride event in Entebbe, 25 miles away from the Ugandan capital Kampala yesterday, after the anti-homosexuality law was annulled last week. The law was reversed on a technicality, because the law had been passed by a parliament without quorum.

    This is he third ever pride event in Uganda.

    ‘We are a group of people who have suffered enough,” said Ugandan lesbian activist Jacqueline Kasha. ‘We are Ugandans who have the right to gather in a public place … and we are going to have fun.’

    Many of the attendees wore face masks to protect their identity, fearing violent repercussions. The vast majority of Ugandan society sees homosexuality as morally wrong and sinful.

    The law that was signed by President Yoweri Museveni in February introduced tough penalties including life sentences on anyone who is caught engaging in same-sex relationships.

    Lawmakers in Uganda are already working to restore the law once parliament returns recess.

  • BREAKING: Uganda court strikes down anti-gay law

    The BBC is reporting that the Constitutional Court in Uganda has annulled the anti-gay law, which was introduced earlier this year.

    The law, which was introduced this year, has been widely condemned by world leaders, including President Obama, who called it ‘odious.’

    The UK’s deputy PM Nick Clegg, said that the anti-gay law, was ‘abhorrent’.

    The law, which included lesbians for the first time, could see anyone conducting same-sex relationships or promoting homosexuality facing life imprisonment.

    The gay community in Uganda have suffered huge harassment since the introduction of the anti-gay law, which was introduced by MP David Bahati and signed into law by the Country’s President Yoweri Museveni

    Activists reportedly cheered as the law was pronounced ‘null and void’.

    More to follow

  • Uganda Anti-Gay Law Null And Void

    The anti-gay law which was introduced earlier this year has been declared ‘Null and Void.

    Activists in the crowded court room reportedly cheered as the law was pronounced ‘null and void’.

    The BBC is reporting that the Constitutional Court in Uganda has annulled the anti-gay law, which was introduced earlier this year.

    The law, which was introduced this year, has been widely condemned by world leaders, including President Obama, who called it ‘odious.’

    The UK’s deputy PM Nick Clegg, said that the anti-gay law, was ‘abhorrent’. Many overseas aid givers had stopped payments over the laws.

    The law, which included lesbians for the first time, could see anyone conducting same-sex relationships or promoting homosexuality facing life imprisonment.

    The gay community in Uganda have suffered huge harassment since the introduction of the anti-gay law, which was introduced by MP David Bahati and signed into law by the Country’s President Yoweri Museveni

    Commenting on the decision of Ugandan judges in the constitutional court that the Anti-Homosexuality Act is unlawful because it was passed by parliament without a quorum, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said, ‘This is a major victory for gay campaigners and their straight allies in Uganda. They fought this law and won, against all odds. Congratulations to the Ugandan gay and straight civil society coalition that brought this legal challenge.

    ‘Human rights and the rule of law have prevailed against a homophobic, tyrannical parliament and president.

    ‘The judges have shown commendable independence and integrity by upholding the law, despite majority government and public support for anti-gay legislation.

    ‘It demonstrates that President Museveni may have nobbled many judges but not these ones,’ said Mr Tatchell.

    Dr. Dimitrina Petrova, Executive Director of the Equal Rights Trust, said, ‘We are delighted that the Supreme Court has struck down this pernicious legislation. The law violated many fundamental human rights of LGBT people in Uganda including the right to a private life, the right to dignity and the right to equality. We note that the legislation was found unconstitutional on procedural grounds rather than for its substance and so urge the government of Uganda not to attempt to re-enact the law.
    ‘As we celebrate this victory, it is important to remember that LGBT people in Uganda continue to suffer profound discrimination and gross inequality, not least through the criminalisation of same-sex sexual activity. We will continue to call for greater protection and respect for the rights of LGBT in Uganda, notwithstanding today’s decision.’

    ERT has been lobbying the Ugandan Parliament and President Museveni on the Anti-Homosexuality Act and Uganda’s treatment of the LGBT community since 2009. After a detailed study of the then Bill, the Equal Rights Trust produced a comprehensive legal analysis of the proposed law concluding that it violated not only a number of Uganda’s obligations under international human rights law but also the human rights protections within the Constitution of Uganda itself. ERT made repeated calls both to the Parliament and to the President calling for the proposed law to be abandoned in 2009, 2011, 2013 and again in January 2014 before the Bill’s assent.

  • Telecoms Giant Orange Pulls Adverts From Anti-Gay Ugandan Tabloid

    A subsidiary of telecoms giant Orange has pulled advertising from Red Pepper, a tabloid newspaper in Uganda.

    It has been reported that a subsidiary of Orange has pulled its advertising from Red Pepper, a tabloid which controversially published a list of ‘Uganda’s 200 top homos’ in Uganda – after new laws which make homosexual acts illegal were introduced in February.

    Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the law in February 2014

    Red Pepper came under heavy international criticism after publishing a list of known homosexuals calling for them to be hunted down.

    Over 77,000 signatures were collected on a petitioning site. Orange announced the cut with Red Pepper via Twitter

    “We commend Orange for their leadership in reaction to the Anti-Homosexuality Law” said Andre Banks, Executive Director and co-founder of All Out, an international organization building the global movement for gay rights.

    “Orange’s decision to withdraw their advertising and to explicitly support their LGBT employees should ring alarm bells for Ugandan politicians and business people about the impact this law could have on the national economy”.

    The anti-homosexual law states:

    Life imprisonment for gay sex, including oral sex
    Life imprisonment for “aggravated homosexuality”, including sex with a minor or while HIV-positive
    Life imprisonment for living in a same-sex marriage
    Seven years for “attempting to commit homosexuality”
    Between five and seven years in jail or a $40,700 (£24,500) fine or both for the promotion of homosexuality
    Businesses or non-governmental organisations found guilty of the promotion of homosexuality would have their certificates of registration cancelled and directors could face seven years in jail.