Kuchu Times Media Group and Mend Initiatives are conducting a research study aimed at shedding light on the experiences of Individuals who have faced discrimination in the job market as a result of Uganda’s recently implemented anti-gay law. We believe that every individual deserves equal opportunities and fair treatment in their professional lives, irrespective of […]
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We genuinely hope that as you go through these pages, for the queer community that this will be the beacon of hope you have been hoping for this Pride month. For the rest of the community, we hope through these pages you paint a picture of who LGBTQ+ are away from all the lies being peddled by the anti-rights movement.
As we gather as a nation to celebrate the heroes that fought to bring ‘freedom’ it is important to ponder on what that means for Ugandans. If I as a landlord, among the things I have to do is turn into a tenant watcher lest I am imprisoned for 8 years for failure to report my tenants as homosexuals, am I then enjoying a free state? If as a journalist as I write this article, my hands shake above my keyboard because press freedom has been rendered a myth, am I then enjoying freedom? Millions of Ugandans actually belong to the LGBT+ community, what is there for them to celebrate of this heroes’ day when every day we are woken by gruesome pictures of people beaten or worse murdered!
While the Ugandan LGBT+ community might not be able to recreate stone wall due to the country’s high level of disregard for human rights, this statement is a call to the world this Pride to match for Uganda. The community recognizes and appreciates the support we are receiving during this time and urges the rest of the world to continue to put pressure on Uganda to repeal this law.
“Despite our concerted efforts to stop the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, the President has today legalized state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia by signing this bill into law. It will erode the inherent rights of LGBTIQ individuals and put innocent Ugandans at cross hairs of grave violations from State and non-state actors. We now look forward to the legal challenge in court, and the law being repealed,” said Frank Mugisha of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).
On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, we call upon individuals, communities, and the government of Uganda to join us in actively combating discrimination and prejudice. We urge the rejection of discriminatory laws, the protection of LGBT+ rights, and the creation of an inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and everyone can live their lives authentically, free from fear and oppression.
The mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Ugandans are deeply rooted in societal discrimination, stigma, and repressive laws. Addressing these issues necessitates a collective effort from government entities, civil society organizations, healthcare providers, and the community at large. By fostering safe spaces, promoting access to mental health services, advocating for policy reforms, and fostering education and awareness, it is possible to support the mental well-being of LGBTQ+ Ugandans and create a more inclusive and accepting society. Ultimately, the mental health of every individual, regardless of their sexual and gender identity. It is important to remember that mental health care is well, health care and is a right meant to be accessible to all Ugandans; no ifs or buts!
This is a compilation of some of the solidarity messages that the Ugandan LGBTQ+ community has received during this very trying time. We know that there is still a long way to go but we recognize and appreciate each and everyone that has walked this journey with us.
Mwebale Nyo!
“I am from Uganda and I know too well this persecution and violence. Those I left behind are contacting me everyday, panicked and desperate. We, the team at People Like Us (PLUS) are in contact with local Ugandan organizations and they desperately need your help.”
The oxymoron that comes with #TDOV 2023 is transgender people in Uganda have never been more afraid to be visible than they are right now. Matter of fact for our trans siblings, the best gift to share this day of visibility is the gift of invisibility! When 98% of the legislative house votes to criminalize your mere identity, you have no option but to shove your head back into the sand. As a nation we have told transgender people to undo whatever progress to the journey of freedom from their bodies and held them captive. Th life imprisonment sentence does not start the day the bill is enacted and unfortunately arrested; the life sentence begun the day a bill forbidding people from being who they are was passed.