Spin, done in Uganda

Hey, there was lots of noise, lots of signs of some sort of movement yesterday. In the evening hours... And, I was so confused I decided to wait for some clarity.

On WBS-TV, one of the headlines was that the government had disowned the 'Anti-Homosexuality' Bill. (Bill text here)Now, the Uganda government is very, very big. 70 plus ministers. Helps that they can say they said things that they deny, vehemently, having said later. No, I am not joking.

I am not talking of the NYTimes report. 

President Yoweri Museveni has told colleagues he believes the bill is too harsh and has encouraged his ruling National Resistance Movement Party to overturn the death sentence provision, which would apply to sexually active gays living with HIV or in cases of same-sex rape according to a copy of the draft law.

That, frankly, is old news. Maybe the NYT was trying to play catch up. Where they did go wrong was to say that SMUG had decided to support Museveni in the 2011 elections if this was true. Bullshit. We (LGBTI) are too much into Uganda's reality to support any political party. Even the party perpetually in government. Afterall, they are the ones who own this bill.

But, there was this interesting, new old tid bit.

A top minister suggested scrapping the death penalty in favor of counseling.

''The death penalty is likely to be removed,'' said James Nsaba Buturo, Uganda's minister of state for ethics and integrity. ''The president doesn't believe in killing gays. I also don't believe in it. I think gays can be counseled and they stop the bad habit.'' 

Ruling party spokeswoman Mary Karoro Okurut said she also agrees with the president that some punishments in the bill should be dropped. But she said she will still push for a modified version of the bill when it comes to parliament in late February or early March.

''Although the president is against some parts of the bill, the bill has to stay,'' she said. ''(Homosexuality) is not allowed in African culture. We have to protect the children in schools who are being recruited into homosexual activities.''

 What is new, isnt what is said, but who is being quoted as saying it. The President.

He is the dictator of Uganda. In virtual fact, if you blow off the flimsy trappings of democracy on our institutions. So, since he is said to have spoken, (like THE Emperor, he speaks through third and fourth parties,) then I can surmise that the pressure has gotten to the highest level of government. And, that they are thinking of 'some' kind of modification to the bill.

But, that is all government spin.

What was making all the noise in Uganda yesterday evening was the report that the government was disowning the bill. But, again, take that with a pinch of salt. In the NYT, the government was modifying the bill. In the Daily Monitor today, as reported, the government is doing something else.

Under the headline, 'Govt could stop Gay Bill, Minister' is the story, from which I pick this extract.

The State Minister for Investments, Mr Aston Kajara, yesterday said the government was looking at the Bill with the possibility of withdrawing it. “The government’s official position is that we have enough laws to cover homosexuality acts,” Mr Kajara said. “Government did not sponsor this Bill. It is a private member’s Bill. The government is studying it and we may talk to the honourable Member of Parliament (David Bahati) to consider withdrawing it.”

Spin, spin, spin again. But, the underlying theme. There is some movement. In what direction, I am not sure. Some of this I have already seen, so, I am still watching the tea leaves, trying to figure out what figure comes out. I hope it is not the Grim!

I think the fact maybe that they are looking for a way out. The heat is a bit more than they expected.
Oh, that they own the bill is a fact. Bahati is a member of the ruling party, NRM. And, he couldnt have tabled the bill before approval. From the very top of NRM. Museveni himself, and the cabinet. Poor guy, he is going to be the fall guy. I better not fall into the trap of having pity for enemies before they fail to rise from where they fall.
And, the number of times that Minister Nsaba-Buturo has 'owned' the bill as the government's own are innumerable to count. All government spin. Maybe I should have up a post saying, 'Debunking Lies; The Government does OWN the Bahati Bill.'


So, please, all out there, do one thing. Continue the heat. Because the battle is being fought in Public Opinion, and political circles OUTSIDE Uganda. Please continue the heat, the pressure on YOUR politicians.

Christians out there, your role is still big. This bill is in the Name of Christ. I do know that the government is feeling the pressure. But, it is important that the Christians in Uganda do not wield their mighty weight from the pulpit. Remember, since Christmas day, they have been preaching relentlessly against homosexuality, and overtly and covertly supporting the bill. That is a matter of fact.
And, they are continuing to do so, in the Churches in Uganda. I know, you may not believe it but, in Uganda, Christians have been led by their pastors and preachers, even the Imam's to believe that the holiest thing that they can do is to pass this bill.
Remember the New Years Day note from Pastor Joseph Sserwadda.

The Lord has constantly dealt with me to in the area of governance and national policy over some controversial issues and shown me that, for once, there is going to be a listening ear.

I implore the Parliament to listen to reason and pass the Anti-homosexual Bill with a slight revision on the capital punishment. While we wait, happy new year.

That, in summary is what Christians in Uganda feel. And, Pastor Martin Ssempa is willing to risk by showing massive support on Jan 19th in a demonstration of millions descending on Kampala the capital. It is being announced to the faithful in Christian Churches.

Oh, the battle is not yet over. Not at all.

I am not Christian. And, the Christians in Uganda are infuriating me with their decidedly anti-Christ-like behaviour. Very. So, I will just put in this jab. From SFGate

All of which makes it delightful -- in that nauseatingly familiar sort of way -- to read the story about the Northern California evangelicals whose repulsive views on homosexuality and "curing" gay people reportedly helped shape a new, violently anti-gay bill in Uganda. 

Did you see? The New York Times piece about how Ugandan officials took the American evangelicals' beliefs about the best ways to punish/reform "evil" gays to its natural conclusion, and decided, if all other forcible rehab options fail, it would be perfectly appropriate to simply exterminate the homosexuals?

I mean, why not? If it's certifiably evil, if you can't "cure" it, if it scares the livestock, transmits disease, preys upon young boys and makes the older men fantasize in dangerous and uneasy ways, if God (not really) said it was an abomination, what's the problem?

Of course, the radical evangelicals in question were -- or at least pretended to be -- horrified at this practical summation of their views, immediately wrote panicky letters to Ugandan officials to correct their unfortunate "misinterpretation," as damn well they should have.

"No, no, no!" they sort of said. "We didn't mean actually kill them. That would be wrong. We simply meant gently, lovingly rehabilitate. You know: drugs, imprisonment, maybe some beatings, public humiliation, brainwashing, genital torture, electroshock therapy like the Mormons used to do.

"Barring that, just do what we do in America: psychological torment in the form of relentless, crushing guilt. This will make the evil gay feel so suicidally depressed about his perfectly natural desires, his body, his emotions, who he is as a living soul on this planet, he's bound to come around. See, like most major religions of the world, we work to shame the sinner so horribly that if he doesn't kill himself, you'll end up with a fine, completely numb soldier of Christ! But don't actually kill them. Heavens!"

Ugandan officials, apparently a bit confused about just how this crazy evangelical thing works, agreed to re-draft the bill and take out the killing stuff. "You extremist Christians are so weird," they seemed to say, rolling their eyes.

Yes, the humour is decidedly cutting. Very.

But, the point is, Christian friends, YOU HAVE TO STAND UP AND OWN UP, to the compassion of Christ. In my view, radicals and extremists are showing us the worst kind of Christian witness that there is. So, I implore you, ask your brothers and sisters in Uganda to stop throwing stones.

For my government, they are acting stupid, so, I will have the pleasure of pointing that out. Yes, we Ugandans are acting stupid. No two ways about it.

My lover is complaining that I am spending too much time on this bill thing. So, I will end this post here.

Have a great day.

gug

A SMUG update

The High Court of Uganda at Nakawa , presided by Judge  Faith Mwondha has granted Kalule Sasha Kirumira  court bail of cash 1.000.000 Uganda Shillings ($.500).  Kalule Sasha has been in prison for 180 days.

Kalule was arrested on May, 10th 2009 and charged  of, carnal knowledge of a person against the order of nature he was granted court bail .

When court granted Kalule  bail , the anti gay groups demonstrated in Kampala, and  demanded for his re – arrest , he was re-arrested on fresh charges of aggravated defilement.

Kalule first appeared court in on May 18th, 2009 at The Magistrate court in Entebbe.

Today in court Kalule was represented by SMUG Lawyer  Lad Rwakafuuzi, from Rwakafuuzi and Co. Advocates . Kalule’s trial starts on the 19th of November 2009.

Judge Faith Mwondha is also former Inspector general of government.

 ------

Know why we are following up such cases? Well, we tend to be more merciful than Ssempa. It’s a fact that many people are being accused, and immediately condemned as guilty even when they are not. Due process is necessary, even when one is a homosexual. A gay Ugandan.

I know the Bahati bill will strip this basic human right of anyone who is accused of being a homosexual. That is what it reads like. Soon as you are accused, you are tested for HIV and then remanded. For up to a year. Just because someone has accused you of being a homosexual.

(Imagine where Pastor Kayanja would be now). It kind of puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? I mean, Kayanja was an innocent charged. He had the guts, money and clout to fight the witch hunt Ssempa started. And, his clout was good enough to beat back the charges. The accusations. He never even stepped in jail.

But, once the Bahati Bill is passed, this will no longer be possible. Once Kayanja is accused again….!

But, the poor guy dares not come out to demand that the ‘Anti-Homosexuality Bill’ is wrong. He would be immediately labelled homosexual by Ssempa. Yes he would. So, despite all that he went through at earlier in the year, he just cant!

I can imagine the chaos we would cause if Kayanja is accused again, and we offer to help, to defend him.

Makes me love the irony of being human, fallible.

gug

**A CALL TO ACTION**

DENOUNCE THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY BILL IN THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA. PROTEST AT THE UGANDA DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN YOUR COUNTRY

Dear Partners, Allies and Friends,

As you already know, the "Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009." was recently tabled before the Parliament of Uganda. The Bill's provisions are draconian and among them are;

• Any person alleged to be homosexual would be at risk of life imprisonment or in some circumstances the death penalty;

• Any parent who does not denounce their lesbian daughter or gay son to the authorities would face fines of $ 2,650.00 or three years in prison;

• Any teacher who does not report a lesbian or gay pupil to the authorities within 24 hours would face the same penalties;

• And any landlord or landlady who happens to give housing to a suspected homosexual would risk 7 years of imprisonment.

• Similarly, the Bill threatens to punish or ruin the reputation of anyone who works with the gay or lesbian population, such as medical doctors working on HIV/AIDS, civil society leaders active in the fields of sexual
and reproductive health, hence further undermining public health efforts
to combat the spread of HIV;

• All of the offences covered by the Bill as drafted can be applied to a Ugandan citizen who allegedly commits them - even outside Uganda!

The existing law has already been employed in an arbitrary way, and the Bill will just exacerbate that effect. There is a continued increase in campaigns of violence and unwarranted arrests of homosexuals. There are
eight ongoing cases in various courts. Four accused persons are unable to meet the harsh bail conditions set against them. As a result, Brian Pande died in Mbale Hospital on 13th September, 2009 as he awaited trial.

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) calls upon you our partner, ally and/or friend to action. Denounce this bill through a protest at a Ugandan Diplomatic Mission in your country on November 9th 2009, where applicable.
Urge the Government of Uganda to reject this Bill in its entirety.

For your reference, please find attached two press statements released by SMUG and Ugandan Civil Society as well as a copy of the bill that was tabled in parliament.

Thank you for standing in solidarity with the Uganda LGBTI community.


For more information, please contact:

Frank Mugisha
Email:fmugisha@sexualminoritiesuganda.org
Telephone: + 256 772 616 062

Valetine Kalende
Email: vkalende@faruganda.org
Telephone: +256 752 324 249

Update on the Mbale Case

Remember the guys who were followed home after they were thought to be gay?

Well, here is an update on what has been happening to them, all these days. Imagine this saga just because you have been suspected to be gay! It is not very nice.

30th June. 2009
Uganda LGBTI Cases:
Mbale report

Mbale is a district in the Eastern part of Uganda. On 5th April, 2009.Fred Wasukira aka Nabooza Margate - Transgender man and Brian Mpadde, both residents of Mbale district , were arrested, at the residence of Fred Wasukira by the local councils and the police of Namakwekwe village in Mbale district Uganda. The two were arrested for being suspected to be homosexuals. The two were taken to, police station, where they stayed for one night, thereafter transferring them to Mbale police station. After 11 days and nights locked up in the cells of Mbale police station they were taken to court on the 17th of April, they appeared before grade1 magistrate, Stella Apinyu, and were charged with carnal knowledge against the order of nature. An offense which carries a jail sentence of life imprisonment if convicted. The two pleaded not guilty to this offense. Case was referred to the chief magistrate for hearing, and the two were remanded at Maluke prison in Mbale, until the 21st April , 2009.

They appeared in court on the 21st April, 2009 , case was mentioned and their remand was extended to 4th May 2009. On 4th May, 2009, chief magistrate agreed to grant the two court bail, however the two did not have substantial securities, the remand was extended to 20th May, 2009.On 20th May,2009. Sexual Minorities Uganda – SMUG, organized legal aid and court bail for the two, however it was difficult to process substantial documents for Brian Mpadde because his family was uncooperative, who have also disowned their son. SMUG was able to process court bail for Fred Wasukira.

Brian’s remand was extended to 4th June, 2009. On 4th June,2009, the chief magistrate was not in court, case was mentioned and the two were told to reappear in court on 10th June, 2009. On 10th and 11th June, 2009, Brian was denied court bail the chief magistrate was not satisfied with the securities, the remand was extended to 16th June 2009.On 16th June, 200 9. SMUG successfully, arranged for the court bail of Brian Mpadde and he was granted court bail. At court on 16th, the police surgeon brought a medical report according to the examination he had carried out on the two while in police custody. He claimed he had been asked to carry out the medical examination on the bodies of Brian and Fred to find out whether they had scars. His report concluded that they had pierced ear lobes, they had a sexually transmitted disease -gonorrhea, and were mentally stable, HIV negative and that he recommends them for treatment.

Brian and Fred will report back to court on the 29th July, 2009, for court hearing. SMUG is monitoring the two, as they receive psycho – social support. SMUG has been following up this case; find attached a full narrative case study. The two men’s rights were violated: invasion of privacy, being detained in Police custody over the maximum period of time of 48hours as stipulated in the constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Subjected to torture, degrade and in human ill treatment while in police and prison custody on suspect of being homosexuals. SMUG has reported these violations to the Uganda Human Rights commission and we await the follow up. Thank you so much for all the support

ChairpersonSexual Minorities Uganda - SMUG

Blessed are the...Persecutors?

By Craig Young - 24th January 2009

Gay US Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson was a speaker at Obama's inauguration last week. However, as a whole, global Anglicanism is still a communion in crisis.

While most of New Zealand Anglicanism is sane and liberal, the same cannot be said for Uganda and Nigeria.

However, Ugandan Anglicans aren't all vile fundamentalists. Former Ugandan Anglican Bishop Christopher Ssenyonjo describes gay people as 'oppressed and marginalised.' This straight grandfather has seven children of his own, but he became chair of Integrity Uganda, which supports the rights and human dignity of Ugandan lesbians and gay men. Banned from Ugandan Anglican churches by current Archbishop Henry Orombi, Ssenyonjo has started the Charismatic Church of Uganda as an inclusive alternative. He comes strongly recommended by the saintly former South African Archbishop of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu, himself a strong voice for reason, compassion and inclusion.

Orombi has joined with other social conservative fundamentalist Christians, Muslims and Bahai in an (ironically named) "Interfaith Rainbow Coalition Against Homosexuality." This outfit harrasses progay journalists, and unfortunately has the support of current Ugandan fundamentalist President Yoweri Museveni, scurrilous Ugandan tabloid Red Pepper, and Cabinet "Minister for Ethics and Integrity" James Butero, also known for trying to ban miniskirts and a belief that decriminalising homosexuality would lead to sex with animals.

Fortunately, though, Ugandan journalists are known to criticise this perspective and continue to take risks and support media freedom in this context. The Sexual Minorities Uganda Group speaks up for the rights of Ugandan lesbians and gay men, and Silvia Tamale, a noted Ugandan feminist legal scholar, has published Homosexuality: Perspectives from Uganda (2007) to provide an alternative perspective to fundamentalist hijackers of the Ugandan "Anglican" Church.

Out of Jail, Out on Bail

The 3 Ugandan LGBT activists that were arrested at the HIV Implementers' Meeting in Kampala on the 4th of June 2008, have been released on bail this morning.

The charges against them HAVE NOT BEEN DROPPED.

They have been charged with Criminal Tresspass, under Section 302 of the UgandaPenal Code.

All have pleaded "not guilty" and were released on a bail of 500, 000 UGX (310 USD),not in cash.

The case was adjourned to the 20th of June 2008.

NOTE: The charges against the 3 activists HAVE NOT YET BEEN DROPPED. Please continue contacting the Ugandan Authorities to request them to drop all charges against the activists:

Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG)

The Positive Journey

Tuesday, we had a meeting.

SMUG organized it, but there was a difference in this one. We were to hear someone talk about her HIV positive journey.

A lady, a Dane. Infected by her Ugandan boyfriend. She talked about their relationship over the years, the times that she tested for HIV, and was negative. And the day that they both tested, and the news was given to them that they were both positive.

It has been a long journey for her. A white woman, positive in a country where the HIV positive were gay men. And even then, very few. A disease which by then was highly stigmatized, and with no cure.

She talked about the depression, and denial. The closet, hiding it from friends and family. The guy died, he was too advanced for the coming of treatment. She was luckier. The drugs arrived, she started treatment, and is alive some 20 years from the diagnosis.

She is now an HIV activist. Strong, articulated, and directed. She talked about what a life changing experience it has been for her, a life strengthening experience. From the despair of courting death on a daily basis, to the fire and strength of knowing that she is alive, celebrating that, and living it. And going out of her way to make sure that the erstwhile death sentence, for many others infected, is turned around.

Yet the day was not hers. Not by a long shot.

We do have a club for the positives. Kuchus living with HIV/AIDS. KULHAS, they call it.

It is secretive, and of them, only one person, a guy, a kuchu, is out and talks about the fact that he is positive.

I have known this guy for some time. I knew that he was positive, and the fact that he is Chairman of the club. Emboldened by the testimony, he also talked about being a kuchu, and living with HIV.

I was fascinated.

It is one thing knowing that someone has HIV. It is something else hearing it from his mouth. And as a kuchu, we related. He talked about his life before, discovering that he was gay, and the kuchu world out there. He talked of the days of partying, sex and high life. Drinking and dancing away life. He is young, I guess less than 25, but he had partyed.

He told of testing positive. Testing because he knew he had lived the life, and finding that he was positive. And the journey since.

The despair. The depression. Coming out (about the diagnosis) to his family. His mother cried, which made him cry too. The fear of telling other kuchus. The fear, stigma and despair associated with HIV in Uganda, but worse in the Kuchu community.

Yet he had turned it around.

Attacking, as a weapon. Embracing his HIV status, going ahead to disclose it. The reaction of friends, some drawing away, and the backbiting. And some drawing close.

He talked about the activism, and the turning around of his life. From hedonist to the person who strengthened others, positive and non positive.

It was an inspiring testimony.

Yet I realized that in this case, we were confronting a nemesis of ourselves, kuchus discriminating against other kuchus. Of the other members of the club, he is the only one who dare say that he is HIV positive. The others are too scared.

They are gay, and in the gay community. Kuchus. But they dare not disclose their status to the rest of us kuchus.

A sobering thought. We may be victims, but we are also oppressors, of those who are of our own kind, and weaker, because of illness. Living a double stigma, a closet inside a closet.

I was impressed. So were the others who were there.

It is early days, and I wonder what the impact will be on the rest of the community. But it is undeniable that we can also be as cruel as our homophobic friends. Even more cruel, because we can relate and understand with what they are passing through.

GayUganda

SEXUAL MINORITIES UGANDA (SMUG) Commonswealth Peoples’ Space, Kampala 2007 REPORT

P.O.BOX 70208,CT-KAMPALA

TEL: +256 312 296 858

Email:

info@.sexualminoritiesuganda.org

SEXUAL MINORITIES UGANDA (SMUG)

Commonswealth Peoples’ Space, Kampala 2007 REPORT

In the event of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2007 UGANDA) Sexual Minorities Uganda -SMUG lobbied for an opportunity to participate and were invited by British Council to the Commonwealth Peoples’ Space (an event of CHOGM) scheduled for Friday November 24, 2007. SMUG invited representatives from Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) and Horizon Community Association (HOCA) and other LGBTI people to join us in this space.

Today East African homosexuals came in peace to CHOGM to speak, as citizens of the Commonwealth. Ugandan and Kenyan lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) speakers scheduled to address the public at the CHOGM Peoples’ Space, Speaker’s Corner.

The Peoples’ Space was designed to provide opportunities to share in the diversity and richness of the Commonwealth people and was specifically designated as a space open to all people to interact and influence social change.

Although we were scheduled for Friday, SMUG received another invitation to a film festival from a non-LGBT film organisation in Kampala, Amakula. On Thursday November 23, 2007 we attended the two films addressing homosexual issues and later had a decent and lively discussion/debate between LGBTI people and the public present including two key religious people. The tent was so packed that other interested or curious people peeped over shoulders.

Friday November 24, 2007 16:30 was meant to be thee day for East African sexual minorities. We walked in at 12:45 our speakers clad in black T. Shirt with the words “Sexual Minorities Uganda Embraces CHOGM”. We were this early because we wanted to acquaint ourselves with the space before our presentation. In the crowds were some elements that identified us because of the T-shirts and messages on them. As we walked to claim safe space, we ran into a prominent anti-gay pastor- Martin Ssempa who heads the Inter-Faith Rainbow Coalition against Homosexuality. He said “hello” and hell broke loose. In less than 5 minutes we were surrounded by people who shouted and ridiculed us as cameras flickered and recorders pointed at us. An elderly woman asked; “Would you be here today had your mother been a lesbian…” Pastor Ssempa gave a devilish smile as other twentysomethings of his brigade from Makerere University yelled and shouted; “You don’t deserve to be on earth, not here!! Lesbians, lesbians… Where is security? Police, security take them away and lock them up…”

LGBTI front-liner stands up to Pastor Martin Ssempa

Next thing the manager of the space one Anne pulled the Co-chairperson of SMUG Julian Pepe away and took her to the reception to only receive the bad news from organizers.

“We’re sorry but the programme has changed. You had your time yesterday so you can’t proceed as planned because you’re attracting a lot of attention and you will divert the people from Prince Charles who is coming in at 15:00...” the organizers chorused.

Pepe was shocked and disheartened; “Why didn’t you communicate? How do you expect me to tell my people that we have come for nothing...?” She was given a copy of the programme and our presentation was not there. With a heavy heart she went and pulled Victor out of the mammoth crowd and gave her the bad news. Before we knew it, we were being escorted out by both plain clothed and uniformed security. We felt safe being escorted by them because the same plain clothed security had protected us the day before, until we approached the exit that their tone changed. They gave us 10 minutes to leave the premises of the Peoples’ Space. That’s when we took this space outside and made it ours. There was exchange between the security guards outside and members of SMUG and GALCK. Whoever was identified inside was immediately thrown out. Kasha was literally held by the arms by two guards and thrown out.

While outside, we collectively demanded for the meaning of “Peoples’ Space”.

Victor Juliet Mukasa the former chairperson of SMUG told those who felt they could not handle the waiting and protest, to leave immediately. Those who took the space outside were- Nikki Mawanda, Kasha Jacqueline, Georgina, Pouline Kimani, Leenah Najib, Victor J. Mukasa, Maniriho Emma and Julian Pepe. We made it clear that unless we were let in or given a proper explanation, we were not leaving. Some of us sat down in protest as others made phone calls to allies like Amnesty International, IGLHRC, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders, etc. Some of our members who stayed inside were; Frank Mugisha co-chairperson SMUG, Sheila, Brian, Naome (HOCA), Gerald, Sandra, Sharifah, Thomas and others were ridiculed. Some members of Amakula were locked out too for speaking to us. Amakula showcases African cinema. It is known for its celebration of African talent, professionalism, human diversity, and creativity. The police continued their aggressive affront.

Pepe was warned by police for taking pictures. In a split second, Victor was pushed to the ground and kicked to get up by one of the uniformed police and Alice Smits the Co-ordinator of Amakula Film Festival was grabbed by the throat for filming us.

“They threw me down,” Victor said bitterly, “Kasha who came back to help me up, faced it rough. She was caned on the back for doing so.” she stood her ground and declared: “I am not moving a single step from this place”.

“6 policemen in uniform came to us saying that they had orders from higher authorities that we should leave the place immediately. I told them they had no right to violate our rights to be in this space.” Agitated Georgina (a member of Queer Youth Uganda) noted.

Kasha; “This is crazy! The word ‘people’ officially lost meaning today. They’re plainly saying we’re not people”

Pouline from GALCK was disgusted; “Police brutality, public discrimination of any individual is unconstitutional. My experience at the people’s space clearly shows the need for our governments to support explicit fundamental human rights for all. Peoples Space should have had the unsaid quote ‘out of bound for African homosexuals’”

Frank Mugisha co-chairperson of SMUG who managed to get in had this to say; “I was in there, but someone came and whispered over my shoulder that I better leave because I’m being looked for. I did just that and joined you out here. Paul and I moved around looking for international press to inform them of what was happening to LGBTI people in this space.” Paul a medic who cares about our issues said he was pointed at and called a lesbian.

“One of the top security officials in plain clothes came and stopped them from beating us up. Those who were violent were immediately taken away and others brought to keep around us” Victor added.

“On Thursday, this same group was part of a discussion about homosexual rights after a film screening about homosexuality and discrimination. Yesterday the debate was heated, but there were no fights. It was really good,” Alice Smits said. “It was the first time a real debate about homosexuality happened in Uganda.”

Naome of HOCA said; “Over the years our society has been subjected to diversity, the greatest of all being the violation of fundamental human rights at CHOGM, even with the presence of numerous heads of States. LGBTI people were denied the right of being with others at the forum that they so-called ‘Peoples’ Space’…”

The most aggressive policeman was identified as Eric Ociti. Those who violated us were immediately taken off the scene. We remained standing outside the gate in quiet protest, waiting to be allowed back in to deliver our speeches. What was supposed to be one of the greatest moments in our struggle became a disappointment. We were there for a total of seven hours, bitterly disappointed and embarrassed. Adding to the discrimination and violence carried out by police at the Peoples’ Space was an affront to basic human rights in Uganda

Both homosexuals and straight Ugandans are increasingly becoming fed up with the violence and discrimination being directed toward people of different sexual orientations and minorities in this country. Heterosexual Ugandans have begun to speak out against such police brutality, stating that they will not tolerate any kind of violence against another human being, regardless of their sexual orientation.

After futile attempts to secure entrance, Pepe went to one of the media houses- The Daily Monitor, Georgina and Victor also did exclusive interviews with The New Vision newspaper to have these violations exposed. But were told that the articles would not be out immediately.

On a lighter note; the term homosexual was not in use this day. Whoever the public suspected to be homosexual was called a lesbian. These people need to be enlightened.

Report prepared by:

Julian Pepe

Co-chairperson

Sexual Minorities Uganda- SMUG