Pride celebrations that were scheduled to take place in Kampala this week have been cancelled by the Ugandan Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Fr Simon Lokodo.
The country’s largest LGBT+ organisation—Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG)—released a after a planned opening gala at the Sheraton Hotel was unable to go ahead.
“This cancellation comes after negotiations with the Minister who has repeatedly interrupted, shut down and continued to do everything in his power to intimidate, coerce and invade basic human rights to Ugandan LGBTI persons, rights that are inherent and engraved in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” the statement says.
The group says that after a recent, positive meeting with the minister about LGBT+ rights, the cancellation came as a complete surprise.
“We had seen a ray of hope, because the meeting was civil and respectful compared to other encounters we have had with him in the past,” the statement from SMUG says.
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SMUG’s Executive Director Dr Frank Mugisha says the cancellation is a huge blow to the vulnerable LGBT+ community in Uganda.
“Pride is about celebrating who we are, giving courage and hope to those LGBTI individuals who are living lonely and isolated lives in hostile communities, for them to know they are not alone.”
“We shall not allow this intimidation, the Constitution grants us freedom of assembly, the struggle will go on,” Mugisha says.
'Let Us Live in Peace'
The planned Pride celebrations were to mark the 10th anniversary of the ‘Let Us Live In Peace’ rights campaign—a call for an end to LGBT+ discrimination that was launched in 2007.
“This is a direct attack on LGBTI citizens’ right to peacefully assemble.” Stated Pepe Julian Onziema, SMUG’s Programs Director/In-charge of Advocacy.
“Ironically this comes as SMUG marks the 10th anniversary of our ‘Let US Live in Peace’ campaign held in 2007. It is heart drenching that we are still saying the same today. Let us live in peace.”
“Fr Lokodo’s punitive actions are pathetic and inexcusable.” Mr Onziema added. “This is the struggle at its realest test yet again, we must stand firm and reject this form and any other form of violation of sexual and gender minorities in Uganda. Say no to robbers of rights.”
SMUG has called on the diplomatic community in Uganda to condemn human rights violations against LGBT+ people.
The group has also advised Minister Lokodo to review the Ugandan Constitution—that guarantees freedom of assembly, association and speech.
“Lokodo would be mistaken if he thinks this in any way is going to stop Ugandan LGBT activists from fighting for their rights — many having experienced far worse, will only be stronger now and fighting back harder,” SMUG posted on Facebook.
