The Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights in Uganda

May 2023 Peter, Uganda

Surviving in Silence: The Struggle for LGBTQ+ Rights in Uganda.

We are honoured to publish this article from an LGBTQ+ human rights activist from Uganda about the oppression that LGBTQ+ people face in that country.

There have been some new laws introduced that persecute LGBTQ+ communities. At PinkUk we will cover these developments and warn people about the threat to human rights globally. The article is written anonymously to protect their identity but let’s call the author Peter. Thank you, Peter!

As a human being, you have certain rights and freedoms that should be guaranteed regardless of your race, gender, religion, nationality, or any other status. These rights are called human rights and are universally defined by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. However, in Uganda, the LGBTQ+ community is still struggling to be recognised and respected as human beings with equal rights. They have been subjected to discrimination, stigma, and isolation due to their sexual identity. It is heart-wrenching to see how a people can be so cruelly treated for simply being different.

The oppression of the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda is not new. It has been going on for many years and continues to this day, even in a growing and supposedly democratic nation. Despite the progress made by other countries in recognising and respecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, Uganda has failed to accept their co-existence with other members of society. For those members of the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda who are brave enough to be open about their sexual identity, life is a constant struggle. They must constantly hide or change their identity to avoid discrimination and harm. It is a heartbreaking reality that hunger, poor health, and even death are the fates that await publicly identified gay or lesbian individuals in Uganda.

The hope for change lies in education and awareness. By raising awareness and educating people about the LGBTQ+ community, we can hope to soften the hearts of those who discriminate against them. However, any direct campaigns are quickly suppressed by government security officials. Even programs designed to benefit the LGBTQ+ community are subject to strict auditing, which often results in funds being used for documentation rather than actually helping those in need. It is up to every stakeholder, including the government and the international community, to take action and ensure that the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are respected and protected. This means implementing accessible systems that can benefit even those living in rural areas. It means recognising that every human being deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual identity.

As we continue to hope for a better future, we must hold ourselves accountable for our actions and strive to create a world where everyone is accepted and loved for who they are. We are all beautiful, proud human beings, and we all deserve to have our rights respected and protected.

Read the an article in the Guardian Newspaper: LGBTQ+ groups face crackdowns in Uganda as environment turns hostile
LGBT Organisations in Uganda