Today, homosexuality remains illegal in most countries of the African continent, with Uganda being a prime example. There, homosexuality remains punishable with life imprisonment, while public beatings and arbitrary arrests are common and homophobic practices are the routine. In 2015, Ugandan activist Kasha Nabagesera received the Right Livelihood Award “for her courage and persistence, despite violence and intimidation, in working for the right of LGBTI people to a life free from prejudice and persecution.” In 2011, she also received the Martin Ennals Award for her activism.
On January 27, 2022, Uganda will see its human rights record reviewed as part of the Universal Periodic Review. On this occasion, we have joined forces with Nabagesera and the Martin Ennals Foundation and submitted a report on the current situation faced by the LGBTI community in Uganda.
The recommendations provided are several calls to action directed at the Ugandan government to take prompt action towards improving the human rights situation of its LGBTI citizens. Among our calls are: effectively decriminalise same-sex relations and repeal all laws that discriminate against LGBTI persons; ensure accountability for all crimes perpetrated on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity; uphold LGBTI persons’ economic, social and cultural rights free of discrimination; protect their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as take effective measures to address homophobia and transphobia.
You can find the full report or read the shorter summary factsheet below:
