Courage.

Courage. Being brave.

Been on my mind. Thinking of David Kato, going to give a speech about the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. A sheep amongst the acknowledged lions of the place. I mean, that was courage. Real courage.

Kato, walking into the Lion's Den, literally to beard the lion.

Of course I knew of the consultative meeting. A group of kuchu leaders determined to go. My partner was among them. And, David Kato was elected to do the necessary. Delivering the speech. The only counter to the rest of the homophobic..... It was supposed to be a dialogue, actually. It was actually something for Ugandans to showcase their homophobia. And, that is what we expected. Of course, including Pastor Dr Martin 'eat da poo poo' showing off his slides of (in his opinion) delectable gay porn..... [I swear the man must be a closet homosexual!!!!!!]

So, what did it cost David Kato to go there, to give his speech, however nervous, fearful, he was? I do not know. What I know is that, I dont think horses would have pulled me to that podium. But, David did it.

Bahati's late arrival delayed the event for more than an hour, and the UHRC failed to seat any representative of those opposed to the legislation at the head table, despite seating Bahati and - for unexplained reasons - Uganda's most outspoken anti-gay activist Martin Ssempa. A comment by an audience member later prompted the UHRC to correct this imbalance by inviting a clearly hesitant and nervous SMUG leader, David Kato, to sit beside Ssempa on the dais. Ssempa proceeded to shake Kato's hand while striking absurd poses for the assembled press corps.

LOL. Bahati is always tardy. Big man, he expects others to wait for him. The Uganda Human Rights Commission? Well, once upon a time, they would not dare touch us. They were clearly not ready to defend us, despite the monstrocity that that bill is. But, that is our Uganda.

So, it is just what was expected. Including the humiliation of David by Pastor Ssempa. These things are the usual. What we expect, on a day to day basis. So, what happened.

The usual Bahati, with his tirade. Ssempa spitting. Must have been spitting. I know, this diplomatic double speech is sometimes too concealing. But, that was the usual Ssempa, man of god. Spitting when us disgusting sinners were mentioned, at any fora.

Ssempa registered his support by issuing audible sounds of disgust. 

And, against this background, as the only person acknowledged as a homosexual, David Kato stands up to deliver his speech.

Kato delivered a well-written speech defending the rights of gay and lesbians in Uganda. However, his words were nearly indecipherable due to his evident nervousness. Throughout Kato's speech, XXXXXXXXXXXX UHRCXXXXXXXXXXXX openly joked and snickered with Bahati and Ssempa XXXXXXXXXXXX. XXXXXXXXXXXX representatives left shortly after Kato's speech, fearing that Bahati had instructed the Inspector General of Police to arrest Kato. After a break, Ssempa showed graphic x-rated photos of what he described as gay sex, and several audience members rose to ask why authorities did not arrest Ugandan homosexuals when they had the chance. 

Forget the 'well written'. That was done in the confort and safety of his room. He was nervous. During his speech, which was almost inaudible, the lions laughed and feasted on the sight of this rabbit. The supposed ally, from Uganda Human Rights Commission, openly joked and snickered with Ssempa and Bahati.

So, what happens?

He finishes the speech. Which, of course is heard by no one. And, prudently, decides to retire.

Very good for him. I would not want to see bad gay porn, with Ssempa's nice commentary in the background.

What was our theme again? Courage. Bravery.

David Kato had it in spades. I cannot say that I do, hell, I will not say that I do. Because I dont! My courage is usually fuelled by anger, and recklessness. Then, I can do anything. But, in deliberate cold blood..... LOL!

David did it. He was a loose cannon, in more than one way. But, the one thing that he did not lack was courage. Courage to do something, even when he was evidently very afraid. As he was at that time. I know David and the others did not stay for the rest of the proceedings. His were lessons in courage for many of us.

Yeah, we do miss you, David.


gug

The Spin Doctors.

UPDATE:

Actually, I was really unhappy with this one. This is un UNTRUTH, that is being propagated, in my name. Here it is. 
Similar article in the Daily Nation of Kenya. A sister to the Monitor in Uganda.

A member of the Ugandan gay community writes on the BlogSpot GayUgandan that there were times when Kato’s drinking worried them.

“When we had dated (for) a while I asked him to take an HIV test with me after hearing rumours that he could be infected. His refusal confirmed my fears and I left him. I always thought that his positive status, which most people didn’t know about, could have been the reason for his over-drinking…,” writes the blogger.

Now, I did mention that David's drinking did disturb me. Hell, yes, it did. So, was he supposed to be an angel? He was not supposed to be having any problems? Shit... No, so David had a drinking problem? Oh, and, a friend, the blogger is quoted?


But What really irks me is the fact that I am quoted in a lie too.

• I never, ever dated DAVID KATO.
  
  
• I HAVE NEVER, EVER MENTIONED DATING DAVID KATO ON THIS BLOG. Search for it and prove me wrong.
  
  
• The first I have heard it whispered that DAVID KATO was HIV positive was in this article. I had never heard the rumour.
  
  
• I certainly never, ever told anyone that DAVID KATO was HIV positive.

-----------

I hate lies..... I really hate lies that are propagated like they are truth.

I hate lies broadcast in the media. I hate lies told about me. I hate lies that are spun for the sake of politics, or something else.

I was not going to post, indeed, I wanted to caution people out there that I may not be posting for some time. Until I came accross this stinging article in the Monitor newspaper that seeks to tarnish the memory of David Kato Kisuule.

I know that it is the govt, and the anti-gay movement in Uganda trying to do their best to make sure that Kato is discredited. They are Christians, (or claim to be). But, and I strongly advise them, let them not lie. It is their right to fight. But let them not lie. And let them not INCLUDE GAYUGANDA IN THEIR DASTARDLY LIES.


Breathe in, breathe out, breath in, breath out.

Here is the article, And, I am DEBUNKING SOME OF THE MOST OBVIOUS LIES THAT I SEE.

Unmasking David Kato

Yes, this is a nice smear campaign.

I know. it is. And, well, they do a good job. First, introducing Kato, the circumstances. and kind of painting a 'good' light about him. But, that is not all.

“David juggled almost every responsibility within the movement, his major concern our safety. He hated “slow work” and red tape and in most cases he came off as a leader in his own category,” testifies Val Kalende, a fellow activist.

Kalende adds that he was also known for his energy and quick response to security matters, which saw him nicknamed “security”. “It didn’t matter who you were, he reached out to help you. He fed, dressed, comforted, and housed many members of the community who were homeless,” adds Kalende. 

Not everyone seems to have appreciated his outstanding stance, as one member of the community who claims to have been an ex-lover to the late confesses, “When I heard Kato was dead, I was saddened but also relieved. He was such an assuming person who thought he was better than anyone else, even amongst the gay community

Frankly, this was David's work. And, he did it brilliantly.

He was an elder in the community, and, in Uganda's depressed conditions, he was a very blunt advocate for maturity amongst the kuchus.
Yes, he was called 'security' amongst other nicknames, trying to make sure that people were security conscious. And then getting them to style up. We can be very immature, we kuchus.

David hosted many kuchus at his house in Nansana, and where he was killed. Usually the circumstances were that he would get them from police cells, because they were accused of being gay. That was his job. He would then need to find a place for them simply because, living in the same community where you have been outed is simply not an option. And, David's house was the usual first 'safe space' option.

David did host Georgina George Oundo in those circumstances. And, if I am not mistaken, S. Mugisha. Yes, I would like Georgina, who is currently 'ex-ex-gay' to deny that.

Paul Kagaba, the face of Ex-Gays in Uganda, and the one who is the chief spokesperson for Martin 'eat da poo poo' Ssempa and also Male, is a liar, and a thief. Oh yes, he has told lots of lies, at the behest of his masters. And, I am sure that he is continuing to tell them. I hope he gets good recompese for that.

Amongst the lies that he has told, he has been always saying that Kato 'recruited him into homosexuality'. Now, when I knew Kagaba, he was an adult, with bisexual behavior at that time. And, he was known to be one of those guys who would go to your home, and leave with your phone. He was 'gay for money' as the saying goes. That was my impression of him.

Yes, I do remember that he was friends with a white expatriate friend of mine. Male. And that, they had something going for a few weeks. I know that they fell thruough, and Kagaba turned to another white expatriate friend, a female that one. That was his deal anyway. And, my sources tell me it fell apart again when he tried to move into her house...... Kagaba was always in for the main chance.

And, more recently, last year, he was showing photos of himself with his former white expatriate friend. And he was saying that they were married. That the photo was of them on their honeymoon. Lie. Very big lie. But again, that is Kagaba. His lies in the Monitor... or, at least his version of the Kato he knew.

Paul Kagaba, a former homosexual now crusading against gay practices who claims to have known Kato in Masaka during his senior four vacation, at a time when the late was head school teacher for a primary school, describes him as loud, rude and arrogant.

-------

Kagaba for instance believes this was only so he could trap innocent people and use them for his sexual desires. “I was young when I met him. He bought my first ‘take away’ ever and two Guinnesses and I ended up in his house being sexually used which is how I was initiated into homosexuality. That’s how he always initiated other people then went about the job of verbally turning them against women, insisting they’re filthy,” he claims.

One of the theories surrounding his murder is in fact that the prime suspect is a man Kato had bailed out of jail a few days back that could have killed him because of his sexual advances. Kagaba adds, “Whoever knew Kato and is truthful knows that he was not a kind, generous person but a sly show off, popular in bars where he offered free drinks to unsuspecting victims that he later initiated into sex partners.”

But, the smears continue....

I am quoted as having been concerned about his drinking. Hell, of course I was. Have I never mentioned that I am also concerned with my drinking?
It is a pretty nice smear campaign. Picking quotes from here and there, and then mounting something, in the name of making sure that David Kato's name is sullied.

But, the smears continue. That, David Kato was HIV positive.

His aforementioned ex-lover however says he could know the reason for his over indulgence. “When we had dated a while I asked him to take an HIV test with me after hearing rumours that he could be infected. His refusal confirmed my fears and I left him. I always thought that his positive status which most people didn’t know about could have been the reason for his over drinking sometimes.”

A medical doctor that claims to have been the late’s doctor confirms that indeed Kato was HIV positive, having confirmed his status in December 2008. “In fact the day he was murdered at his home I was expecting him at the hospital but he didn’t show up,” adds the doctor. Nakato also enlightens that when on her way out to run some errands, she’d inquired about why he was staying home that day, and Kato had said he wasn’t feeling too well and would stay to rest. 

Why does this matter?

The taint, the stigma of being HIV positive is a big thing in Uganda. There have been public campaigns, and other things. It is still a big thing in Uganda.

You know what the anti-gay camp accuses us in Uganda? that we gay people go around spreading HIV. Oh yes, they are instrumental in making sure that we do not have an HIV prevention campaign in the country. And, at the same time they cry that we spread HIV.

Why does Kato's doctor feature here? Which doctor worth of his salt would reveal that his patient in HIV positive? Frankly, I do not believe it. Frankly, I dont believe any doctor working in Uganda would dare say this to a journalist. But, maybe it is true????!!!!!

But, why would it feature in a newspaper article?

Simple. To increase the perception amongst Ugandans that Kato was a bad guy. HIV positive...... oh well, did I mention that at least 7% of Uganda's adult population is HIV positive? And, they do have to live, on a daily basis, in fear of such slurs to their status. Such indirect hits at them.

And then, about the mother. Kato David's mom.

But Kagaba, who says to have known him beyond his activism days, insists she had disowned him the moment she discovered the truth about his sexuality.

I dont know about that. David had never mentioned it. Another Kagaba lie? What I know is that they were close. And, I know that she was distraught. Nice, trying to paint it here that she had disowned him.

My mom. My Dad. they know that i am gay. They know my partner. They know that I live with him. I have detailed those things on this blog.

Matter of fact, this is important because the anti-gay side always paints us as rejects from our families. Oh shit. This is so shitty. Clever lies mixed with a little of the truth to make it stronger.

But, I am amused at this, the final lie.

Kato is otherwise said to have had a twin brother who some people say he came out to and they remained close, and a sister that anyone hardly seems to know anything about. How he truly related with his family however remains a mystery. For all that came to life in his death, the details of his family may be the one thing the public never gets to know as even they remain tight lipped, refusing to add to the international furor that his death has already caused. 

I was at the funeral. I did mention that I saw Wasswa, Kato's elder twin. He is not 'said' to have had a twin brother. The brother was there at the funeral. I saw him.

He might not have talked to the Monitor reporter, but he certainly was speaking to us.

And, yes, I have just googled and found a report that I saw. Wasswa was actually talking to some media.

Very good that this reporter didnt get her hands on him. Maybe he would have strangled her for her smear of his murdered twin.

Nice try, nicely written article, by the way.

Just makes me feel so sad that you are using your talents that way, Madam.


gug

Gay Panic Defence?

That is, in the death; murder of David Kato Kisule.

Have just heard it on Capital FM. Apparently, the guy who was staying in David's place, the guy who was working for him has been arrested. At Mukono Police station at the moment.

And, from what I heard, he has confessed to the murder, reporting that Kato forced him into having sex, so he killed him.

True, false, I don't know?

I would really love to say that I am sure of that. Simple, I am a Ugandan. And, I live and work in Uganda. This became a very high profile case, as soon as the media stepped in and the police investigations were made for media.

So, what is the problem with that?

Well, very simple. The police had to make an arrest. And, they had to have a suitable motive. Cracking the case became a priority.

In Uganda, so help me the deities, we use 'enhanced interrogation techniques'. And, they are very helpful. And, I am not talking about simple water boarding. Simple.... well, it is.

This guy was condemned as soon as the police sent out the flier saying the death was due to 'aggravated robbery'. So, little suprise that he has been found, and, confensed immediately.

So, is he the killer?

I wish I could be sure. I want David's killer arrested. Is like a visceral need to find someone to blame,... in truth, to hang, by the balls, if I could be so crude. But, I am actually hesistant to condemn this guy, even with the confession. Because, simply put, the simple guy might confess to anything given the options, the circumstances.

And, yeah, in Uganda, putting the blame on the big bad homosexual works all the time. They are evil, they are bad, they are terrible. They deserve hanging.

So, I killed him because he attacked me, or he made advances. Homosexual advances. So, I hit him twice with a hammer.

I really, really wish I could have access to film of the event. Or was it recorded?

But, for now, I wait to see what happens. I am not sure the guy is guilty. I am not sure he killed David. I would be unwilling to visit on him the guilt without knowing the circumstances. I am a gay Ugandan. I am too used to the contempt, the casual references to violence that are stereotypically visited on our heads, just because we are gay. Or thought to be so.

Gay Panic Defense? I believe that is what it is called. And, in Uganda, we are so vilified, it can work. Terrible as it seems. That is a fact.

I don't even know the procedure. With a confession, does he have to go to court? Or do they give him a sentence? A confession is too neat an ending- to my liking. Will it be enough?

Too neat, for the police in Uganda.

Gay Panic Defence?

gug

Dialogue?

Do we dare believe that? Or is it just a war of words?

It has happening on two identifiable fronts. OK, on three. But, the first is almost negligble. With barely any investigation, the government is convinced that the death of David Kato was due to 'aggravated robbery'. Should I bias this further?

That Kato was staying with a known thief, who knowing that David was soon leaving the country, decided to rob him of the few things he had.... (leaving quite a few others...), and kill him in the bargain.

Now, that is the kind of insult to logic that I do not countenance at all. But, the government of Uganda being what they are, they are going to stick to that line. For a very long time.

I dismiss it as illogical, and leave the more unkind words in my mind.

But, death has this visceral shock effect. Suddenly, Ugandans are discussing homosexuality, and not with the vapid hate mongering of the other days. Of course, the Ssempas are there. And, they are talking as they do, often. But, other Ugandans are coming out and speaking, like they have never done before.

First, this Monitor Editorial.

It is on the airwaves, the fm stations again. And, do not be mistaken, most of what I hear is the old homophobic things. But, there is a difference. It is less hate laced. And, those who are not homophobic are coming out and challenging the blind hatred.

Then there is this article from the Observer. Clearly sensitive, and friendly. These are the kind of articles, gay friendly, that would not be published like so, in Uganda. Ugandans are more used to the likes of the Red Rug and others like that, painting gay people like they are the worst colour possible, demons, with horns, and tails hidden somewhere.

Of course it helps a lot when there is Uganda's peers are pointing out, insistently, that we Ugandans are in the wrong. We are not insular. And, though many Ugandans may believe it is okay to kill gay ugandans, they are shocked that the rest of the world holds them in contempt. As less than 'civilised'. It is funny, I have always commented on our immense vanity. I never knew it could fall into my hands like this, as a weapon to use. Like this BBC report. And, yes, BBC is watched, by mainly those who have cable television in Uganda. The elite, the moneyed classes.

And, before you ask, growing up as a gay Ugandan, enduring the abuse and disapprobation, I have become very much less vain than the ordinary Ugandan.....

Maybe I should say that it is the 'elite', the opinion leaders who matter. And, they are quite vain of the good 'repute' of the country..... lol....!

Here is how the Christian, MP and rising star in the ruling party, mover of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill David Bahati mourns David Kato. There are some things which have clearly not changed.... and, that is the utter Christian compassion of David Bahati. Here is the quote.

David Bahati told journalists in Kampala today that though Kato's death is unfortunate, it should open Ugandans' eyes to the illegality of homosexuality.

Bahati described Kato as a humbled soul long and hard to see the future of children destroyed and marriages broken up by illegal acts.

He says though his death may have had nothing to do with his acts, it has everything to do with the financial resources set to these individuals by donors, which could have attracted the attention of the assailants.

The MP says the Police should not only investigate Kato's death, but also dismantle the illegal networks, particularly financial, which are being used to facilitate gay activities in Uganda, especially in schools. In Uganda most people feel like vomiting when they come across gay practitioners or activists.

Most interesting, and most fitting is the fact that actually, buried somewhere in all that venom is the compassion, mourning the death of David Kato. Surely, surely, Bahati is devastated. Crocodile tears . Much like Giles Muhame.... He is being his usual lovely self. Will not link to him, because, truly, Giles is an outstanding example of his pastor Martin 'eat da poo poo' Ssempa's classic teaching in Christian compassion.

Am sorry Christians. I know, the people above do not represent all of you.....

To atone for my cruel humour, I will try to examine real Christian compassion in the next post. Of course......

But, let me end this one with some interesting quotes from a Reuter's story. Kind of captures the ambivalent mood in the country at the moment.

In one sense, whether or not homophobia motivated David's killer is unimportant. A global spotlight has shone on the country in a way it rarely does and many Ugandans are unhappy with what it highlights.

------

Alan Kasujja, host of a breakfast radio show in Kampala, used his broadcast on Friday to urge Uganda to turn its back on homophobia and focus on other issues.

"I have tons of friends who are gay," Kasujja told Reuters. "These are people who I have gone to school with, who I have worked with. They are our brothers and sisters, our children.

"So am I supposed to join ill-informed, undereducated people who advocate for them to be ostracised? Sorry, I cannot be part of that," he said.

Alan says his listeners were divided over whether David was a victim of hate, or robbery. Though many listeners expressed reservations about homosexuality, they said that Uganda should not be known for violence.

Some texted the show, however, telling him to stop promoting "deviants", a reflection of a culture of hate that many say has been encouraged by the Christian right in the east African nation -- often funded by Christian groups in the United States.

Kampala's Red Pepper newspaper headlined its story on the murder: "Self-confessed bum driller murdered", accusing Kato of "luring" men into gay sex.

------

Two gay Ugandan men, poring over the newspapers on Friday morning, smiled ruefully when they saw the Red Pepper story and shrugged their shoulders.

"This is what we have to deal with day-to-day," said one, who did not want to be named. "But I listened to the radio this morning and I read Twitter yesterday and I felt some hope. Maybe this is so awful, it can change things."

The two friends finish their tea and push through the swinging doors of the cafe and out into the blistering heat.

One pauses and turns his head back.

"Do you promise you won't use my name?" he asks. "I know David didn't mind. But David ... David was... I don't know." He shakes his head sadly. "I don't know."

Just to remind you, the kind of broadcast that Alan Kasujja was allowed to do got a radio DJ (Gaetano) suspended a few years ago. And, if the anti-Homosexuality bill ever becomes law in Uganda, such a discussion will be completely illegal. Something that David Bahati is very anxious to have.

But, at least there is dialogue....!

gug

The Struggle Continues....2

So, in the aftermath of our coming out in defiance, what is happening?

Too many of us were exposed. We had on the t-shirts. We were identifiable. No more hiding for many. For that, in most cases, we deal with it in a case to case basis. Yes, David actually reported that he was feeling insecure.... but....!

Oh well.

Ultimately, we all have to take into our own hands our security. Some are more exposed than others. Most of the activists are known now. So, maybe there is nothing to do about hiding those.... and of course, the risk from anonymous violence is there.

[Was this what killed David? The police seems convinced that it was a 'robbery'.....Gosh, if I say I do not believe that, will I be excused? Maybe I am too close to everything. But, I will wait the results of their investigation. As long as it doesnt take for granted my logic.

But, this is Uganda. The probability of a face saving 'investigation', made for TV, the parading of a suspect as the murderer, and quietly closing the case, that is a real possibility. Who will put pressure on them? I simply have never, ever felt that I have to bribe the police to investigate. Stop laughing. That is what happens in Uganda. And, I just feel like they just get 'results' that will convince me.... as long as I can accept them.]

Anyway, we shall cross that bridge when we get to it. If we ever do.

People outside Uganda ask me what they can do to help....

The situation in Uganda, we can only change with what we have. That depends on us. Engaging the populace, making them see that we were no different.

That is something which David had achieved at his village. All seemed to know that he was gay. Few seemed to really mind. And, at the wake, they saw us, knew us, and didnt seem to be really bothered. Pity that he had to be buried at another place. We would have had less hostility shown to us. And, it was hostile. The homophobic preacher was cheered on by the locals. And, when the mic was taken away, they refused to bury David. In our culture, that is the most extreme insult that they could have visited on us.

And, the locals did it.

No. We must not think that we have an easy road ahead.

For friends outside Uganda- we cannot, and will not ask you to risk your lives for us. Even for those inside the country, we do not.

But, we remind you that, the lessons of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the lessons of the death of David Kato are quiet clear. You have a lot of clout here. It is through public opinion of Uganda in your country. It is in your country that you move the politicians to move the leaders in Uganda. And, it is not only political. It is also religious, and cultural.

It is funny, but, for this I rely on the simple psych of the Ugandan society at the moment.

What seems to matter, to the government, to the people, is the reputation. And, if Uganda is in anyway sensitive to its reputation in the family of nations, it is vulnerable. Our country people, our government will treat us gay ugandans like shit. But, they will not do that when you ask your leaders to ask them what justification they have to do that.

Because, Ugandans are vain. And, that vanity is susceptible to the ridicule that they are acting less than 'civilised'

Ha.

that is a laugh.

But, now you know how you are important to us, as gay Ugandans.

The struggle inside the country for the hearts and minds of our countrymen and women continues. We shall wage it. I believe we have matured to the point that we can do that, on our own behalf. And, if this editorial in the independent Monitor is to be believed, some people are ready. Some. Not all.

But, we simply must remain alive to do that. And, that is where you come in, if you are not a Ugandan, but want to help, in anyway. You can influence your leaders, in Church, Mosque, or your government. They will influence leaders in my country, Uganda. And, that will be of immense help to me.....!

And, on behalf of all gay people, kuchus in Uganda, thanks!

gug

The Struggle Continues.

'La Lutta Continua'. I believe it is Che Guavara. The Cuban revolutionary.

The gay movement here has come to kind of own that. I don't think most even know who said it..... like me of course. But, it is something to hang on. Especially when we are faced by setbacks.

Yesterday was the funeral for David Kato.

And, it was the culmination of the mourning for me. No, I was not there in body. But, certainly I was there in mind. And, my partner was there. He filled me in, early today in the morning. Quiet, away from the hype and adrenalin of the happenings.

Today, for me has been a day of quiet reflection. Morning, I slept in. Late morning, did some chores, trying to shake off the hangover.

And, later, after a siesta, was glued to the TV, watching the uprising in Egypt. Very interesting stuff.

But, it has also been time for reflection for me.

Yes, yesterday there was lots of adrenaline flowing. After the days of mourning, the funeral and aftermath were a real, major climax to everything.

We challenged everything in our society that stands between us and being accepted for what we are. Gay activists in Uganda are quarrelsome and militant. Many in the mould of David Kato. And, it was very much in evidence at the funeral.

I cannot understate how historical what happened was.

I cannot understate the huge role that our friends outside the country played. In putting the death, the brutal murder before the Ugandan government. The outpouring of love and togetherness. And, it was fantastic.

But, I have to remember one very important thing.

We stood up, reached out, and broke the mould of what is expected of us as Gay Ugandans. We actually came out.

And, I cannot downplay what happened at the funeral.

First, there was the reading of all sorts of speeches, condolence messages and things like that. From dignitories far and wide. It was emotional. It was embracing. It was warm.

But then came the rejection. The rejection in the face of what we are. In the face of what David Kato was.

The preacher. From the Church of Uganda, Anglican. With his message of 'repent'. [I did say I want no preaching at my funeral?... Just wanted to emphasize it.]

David was no church goer. I didnt even know that his dad was a Reverand in the church. But, when I knew him, he was no church goer. Though, well, I should remember that the group he led was faith based. Integrity.

But, it is very, very hard to be gay, Ugandan, and faithful to the 'faiths' as we see them.

Of course, our reaction was predictable. And, taking the mic out of the guy's hands was the least that we could have done. He desecrated David Kato's funeral. And, he was throwing mud in our grief, simply because he felt, he believed that we should 'repent'. Served him right, the embarassment.

But, I guess he will not see it like that.

The locals refused to bury David. So, we went ahead and did the honours.

And, it was all faithfully taped and on the evening news, here. NTV.

Big deal? Of course.

The rejection. Our reaction. And the fact that the world saw... but also Ugandans saw what happened.

It is a homophobic country. We exposed ourselves. And, we put our finger in the eye of traditionalism and 'conservatism', and did our thing.

Is it significant?

You bet you it is....!

[to be continued]

gug

David Kato Kisule: The funeral. And Beyond

I have gone through lots of emails.
Friends, acquitances, well wishers. The world over is in sympathy with gay Ugandans on the death of David Kato Kisule.
Is an emotional time for me. Actually, am not trusting myself to talk. At least the words I write are kind of filtered. And, of course there is the backspace on the keyboard. Can delete and erase and edit words. But, not as when they come out of the mouth.
Maybe my biggest fear is that I am so emotional that I may cry!!!!
Ahem, ahem. Internal joke, that. Not very fit to be shared further than me. But it is good enough to make me laugh.

I was not at the funeral. [maybe I fear crowds…..!]. But, I was there in the spirit. With the crowd, the mourners. And, I was there last night. Spent the whole night there. At last saw the elder twin, Wasswa. Was kind of a morbid curiosity. According to tradition, it is taboo to talk about a twin dying. So, another word is used. I believe the reason is that they are supposed to be connected. So, one does not die while the other lives. But, I did see David Kato’s elder brother.

There is lots of press on him. Yes, David would be happy.
Why do I feel sad at that?
Because he is not around to share the happiness.
But, there are still battles to fight. That is matter of fact. For example, even at the funeral, a preacher decided that the chance of a captive audience was too much. Here is what the BBC reports.

There was a moment of drama when a pastor preaching at the outside service told homosexuals to repent, our correspondent reports.


The man warned that they would face the fate of residents in Sodom and Gomorrah, the biblical cities destroyed by God.


He was interrupted, accused of preaching hate, taken away and someone else took over the proceedings, our reporter says.

Well, the family, the LGBT family took matters into their own hands. We buried our loved one. We buried David. And, to hell with the preachers, and all those who hate us. Here is what the Reuters reporter saw.

Scuffles broke out between locals and friends of a murdered Ugandan gay activist at his funeral on Friday after the pastor conducting the service berated gay people and villagers refused to bury the coffin.
----
"The world has gone crazy," the pastor told the congregation through a microphone.
"People are turning away from the scriptures. They should turn back, they should abandon what they are doing. You cannot start admiring a fellow man."
Gay activists, wearing T-shirts featuring Kato's face with sleeves coloured with the gay pride flag, then stormed the pulpit and grabbed the microphone.
"It is ungodly," the pastor shouted, before being blocked from sight.
"ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE US"
An unidentified female activist then began to shout from the pulpit.
"Who are you to judge others?" she shouted. "We have not come to fight. You are not the judge of us. As long as he's gone to God his creator, who are we to judge Kato?"
Locals intervened on the side of the pastor and scuffles broke out before he was taken away to Kato's father's house to calm the situation.
Villagers then refused to bury the body at which point a group of Kato's friends, most of whom were gay, carried his coffin to the grave and buried it themselves.

If anyone ever preaches at MY funeral, I promise to stand up and correct the proceedings…..! LOL!

I have noticed a curious reaction. Many activists are coming out, more, and more emboldened. [sigh. My partner is becoming bolder than I am. Needs a serious talking too…. I cannot remain the voice of reason in this family.]

But, others have fine tuned the old reflexes. They are burrowing deeper. Fearful, closing the closet right round them.
Why?
Well, to remind you, it is a Homophobic country. And scenes like these reported by the BBC are just not the norm. It has taken the death of one of us, David Kato, to make this happen.

He (reporter) says hundreds of people - friends, family, colleagues and diplomats - crowded outside Mr Kato's family home in the village of Nakawala in Mukono district, 40km (about 25 miles) from Kampala.


Many members of the lesbian and gay community wore T-shirts with Mr Kato's portrait on the front and the words "La luta continua [the struggle continues]" printed on the back.

I am talking about a mass demonstration of people that they were gay. And proud.

!!!
Yes, Uganda is changing.

But, the changes are not very deep.
A Ugandan was killed. Was deprived of the very most basic of human rights. Life.

That doesn’t matter whether it was a gay man, or another person. It was a human being deprived of life.

The reasons don’t matter.
But, what was the reaction of the Police? The murder was actually reported, and police driven to investigate by the gay community. Otherwise, nothing was being done. I am stating a matter of fact.

Then, in typical Ugandan style, (Bless my country), when the international outcry was mounting, and demands on the government to do something, that is when the police mounted some investigations.

I was at David’s place last night, this morning. And, the police had just done a crime scene investigation, the one which was reported about, (and, I believe, for publicity’s sake.). I am told it was reported on NTV news last evening. Curious.

I was impressed at the way that rumours are swilling about the death. I mean, from the populace, from the people around, someone has already been judged guilty. The motives have been ascertained. Seems as if it is a fait accompli.
I commented that I would not trust the police report. That was very harsh, and true. Because, there simply was no way that they could get an other than gambled account of what truly happened if they never made an investigation. That was before the media driven investigation.

What surprised me, and made me hope that something will come up from the investigation, was the fact that David Kisule had set up cameras and an alarm system in his half finished house.
Shows you our level of paranoia. I mean, I do know that David was more paranoid than I am. But, I didn’t know that he had set up cameras in a house that he had not finished. It is a shell, I saw it. And, he thought an alarm system was one of the most important things to install. Fact. Most Ugandans do not have them in their houses. We simply dont.
From those records, we shall possibly know what happened.
And, maybe we shall not be distracted by the rumours that people like the Rolling Pebble editor publish. Yes, I do understand his motivation. He put up the picture of a person, and asked people to ‘Hang them’. Now that that person is dead, the good Christian has to find a reason to justify the death, brutal and callous as that is.
Anyway, I do hope I get to know what transpired, what led to the death of David Kato Kisule. I really hope I do.
Because I am a human being. And, I don’t expect him to be an angel (He would really laugh at that. David was no angel. And never wanted to be!)

But, I would like to see justice visited on his killer.



gug

David Kato. Updates

Frankly, I am working through a full ebox at the moment.
I am sure that David would have loved the attention that his death has generated over gay issues in Uganda.

I know we would have disagreed… again. I don’t believe in martyrs. He believed that to make an omelete, eggs needed to break. Different people, different approaches, different strategies. But, he would not have been the sacrifice for such. A martyr.

I am seeing an outpouring of world attention. But, most important, I am seeing real debate happening in Uganda. Not by the government newspaper…. the New Vision. But, surprise, surprise, by the only other real independent paper. Here are some of the articles.

(NB:, this is Uganda. The press does not discuss homosexuality. Not at all…. not in any way. That is, apart from heavy condemnation, and exhortations to ‘Hang Them’. In fact, far as I remember, the government owned New Vision has had a ban on discussion of that topic for more than a year. So, this is a real big deal. )

World condemns killing of gay activist
The killing of a prominent Ugandan gay rights activist drew worldwide condemnation yesterday as the Uganda police moved to delink homophobia from his death.

Police mounts hunt for killers of Ugandan gay rights activist
Police’s Scene of Crime officers have ringed off the house in which a gay activist, David Kato was murdered yesterday.

Mr David Kisule Kato, 46, died after he was hit on the head by unknown assailants at his home in Mukono District on Wednesday. He died on his way to Mulago Hospital.

Detectives and scene of crime officers spent the day picking fingerprints on the furniture and interviewing neighbours of Kato.

Police said his attackers hit him with a hammer on the head at around noon on Wednesday before locking him in the house.

Deputy Police Spokesman Vincent Ssekate said they are taking the case seriously but asked the public to who have any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact them.

“Since the act happened during day, there may be people who saw the suspects entering the house. They should come and give us information,” he said.

But, the real coup de grace is this editorial from the Monitor.
In Uganda, even in the independent Monitor, this is a real big deal.

Can we talk honestly about homosexuality?
David Kato, a gay rights activist who campaigned against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, and who sued a local tabloid last year after it named him as being homosexual, was killed in his home this week.

Police say they are investigating the circumstances of his death and it is not yet clear whether this was a homophobic attack in which Mr Kato was targeted for his sexual orientation or his thoughts about the matter.

Whatever the motive behind the killing, this incident reminds us of the homophobia that is widespread in our country and society – and the deadly consequences of not dealing with it.

Homosexuality is illegal under Ugandan law and the Anti Homosexuality Bill prescribes harsher punishments, including the death penalty for sodomy.

While such legislation might serve as a deterrent, it will not eliminate homosexuality and might cement the discrimination of sexual minorities.

The homosexuality question in Uganda has two major flaws. First is that a lot of the debate is shouted down from extreme positions of moral self-righteousness; as a result there is little common understanding among those who oppose gay rights and those who advocate for them.

Secondly, a lot of the debate is carried out or influenced by foreign actors – both in favour of and against homosexuality.

What we need is an honest national dialogue on homosexuality in order to forge a consensus on the rights of those Ugandans who choose to be gay and those who oppose homosexuality as a lifestyle.

Holding puritanical and extreme views on the matter, whether liberal or conservative, will divide us, rather than help us find a mutually acceptable compromise.

People like David Kato and others who might be gay are Ugandans and enjoy the same rights and protections of the law as heterosexuals. We cannot send them into exile neither, lock them away, or hang them.

We need to have an honest discussion about how to ensure that their rights are upheld without violating the rights of other Ugandans.

Peaceful and stable societies only emerge when we understand and try to accommodate those who are different from us, or who disagree with us – not by ostracising or killing them.

Being who and what I am. I disagree with some of the points made. But, the call to dialogue.... That is what we have been begging for. Just the chance to present our views.

Thanks David.

And, yes, we are getting somewhere. Painfully slowly, at a very high cost. But, we are.

gug

Reckless Courage

UPDATE; Yeah, I was lax. Didnt post the link to Val's story in the Monitor. Here it is.

The image is from the Monitor.

Val came out. But, her partner couldnt. So, it is she whose eyes are not...

--------


I have just been out.

Friday night, and on the streets were the Sat. Morning papers. Early editions. Saw the headline in Saturday Monitor. 'Forbidden Love'. Didnt take too much notice.

Till, a friend sent me an sms. Had I seen the Monitor?

I immediately got a copy. The forbidden love was gay love. And, a lady, a lesbian, Val Kalende, had grabbed the headlines, simply by telling her story. The story of a gay Ugandan who is threatened by this Anti-Homosexual bill. Which is slated to make Uganda 'perhaps the most dangerous place for a homosexual in the world'.

Note. I do not have too much faith in Nsaba-Buturo's statement that the bill no longer has death and life imprisonment. It was made to foreign media, and, he has not said so to Ugandan media. We dont know that it is true!

Anyway, the bill is making us get recklessly courageous. Val comes out, full face photo. With her partner. And the partner is disguised. Nothing is more poignant. They both are risking their very lives, grabbing the headlines like this, when they can. For, when the bill is passed, this kind of article will not be possible. But, she dared to do it. And, she grabbed the headline.

You have been seeing the intense debate outside the country?

Well, it has not been happening in Uganda. The Monitor, second largest in circulation, and the smaller Independent and Observer have been the most consistent in reporting. The New Vision, well, there is no debate on homosexuality ongoing.... No legitimisation of homosexuality by formenting debate. Not from the government owned paper.

I was talking about reckless courage.

Me, I am a coward. Oh, I have detailed what would make me come out. In anger of course. But...

Basically I am a coward. Pressed into a corner, even a gazelle can wound a lion.Maybe a lucky blow will take out an eye. And, that is what is driving some of my friends. They are going out for broke, presenting their slender necks for the dare to slash. For the knife.

Frank Mugisha. David Kato (called Cato in some articles. Dont know why, since his mug was on them.) Another one, Sam Ganafa. Now, Val Kalende.

I know what is driving them. A reckless courage. This bill is so terrible, that, even now, if we cant speak out now, we shall forever be damned. So, they are speaking out. Getting out of the closets, making sure that the world out there in Uganda does know that they are Gay, and that they are Ugandan, and that they are threatened by death and life time imprisonment for being gay and Ugandan.

I salute you, guys and girls. I salute you. Me, who is still hiding in my anonymity, I salute your reckless courage.

Dont know what your lives will be worth once it becomes law. Dont know. Dont want to know. Hope I will not know. But, the very risks that you are exposing yourself to at this particular moment just makes me shiver with fear. I am a coward. But, I thank your reckless courage.

And, by the way, I have to feel some awe for the editor of the Saturday Monitor, who managed to have that story, 'Forbidden Love' become the headline in the paper. Salute!

And, there is also an article detailing that some diplomats, including the US have made an official protest about the bill to the govt. Know what the govt says? That they are the injured party. See, it is a private members bill. And, they dont have an official government position.

Now, to those liars and hypocrites, I can only pull out the Honourable Minister of Ethics and Integrity's statements. About anal sex having no rights, etc....
They are embarassing, even by Ugandan standards. But what do I know? I am gay, you see!

And, the Ugandan media has at last started to publish things about the bill. Here, Nagenda, a New Vision Columnist, comes out against the bill. In very clear words.

Oh, he is pejorative, in his elegant use of the English. But, what is important, that Nagenda, iconic movement supporter, has had an article which calls the bill 'draconian' published. Regarding Homosexuals and Lesbians. In the New Vision, the government owned paper. Owned, and controlled.

I have not been able to get a link to the Monitor article with Val's story. No problem. I will update this story. Today, or when I get a scan of the story and post it on this post.

For now, I salute the courage of one, Val Kalende, and your partner.

You go girl!


gug