"But for me, James Kabengwa, and many other Africans who have made the UK their home, Brighton Pride is something more profound. It is a jubilant declaration of freedom. Back home, our lives are in danger. Our very existence is criminalized. We live in fear, in the shadows, constantly looking over our shoulders."
BY JAMES KABENGWA LONDON. Amid a sea of rainbow flags and roaring chants, East African voices rose today at London Pride—not just in celebration, but in defiance. For many, this was more than a march; it was a reclaiming of identity, a powerful statement against the silence and persecution faced back home. In a world where queerness is criminalized across much of East Africa, London became a sanctuary—a place where love was not just seen, but loudly affirmed. Today, East African LGBTQ+ individuals didn’t just attend Pride; they owned it, transforming the streets into a battleground for visibility, freedom, and unapologetic existence. London Pride, one of the world’s most prominent LGBTQ+ celebrations, is more than a colorful parade—it’s a symbol of resistance, inclusion, and visibility. For East African communities like my own Uganda, particularly those from countries where LGBTQ+ identities […]
By James Kabengwa Laid to rest today, I want to pay tribute to Pope Francis, a man who has left an indelible mark on the fight for equality. As a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, I am deeply grateful for Pope Francis's unwavering commitment to love, acceptance, and inclusivity. Pope Francis' words and actions have been a beacon of hope for many in the LGBTQ+ community. When asked about gay priests, he said in July 2013, "If they accept the Lord and have goodwill, who am I to judge them?" These words resonated deeply with his like-minds, reflecting a recognition that every individual deserves dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The Pope's commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion was evident in his actions. In June 2015, he joined 90 prison inmates for lunch, including 10 from the […]
People arrested under Uganda’s 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) face stigma, abuse and even rape in the nation’s prisons and police cells. Such cases have increased as more people are arrested under the law’s provisions. Attorney Ronald Abitegeka says he got at least one client who reported being raped shortly after he was detained under the law. Abitegeka works for ALIGHT Uganda (formerly American Refugee Committee) an NGO in the Isingiro district that operates in six refugee settlements, five transit centers, and border points. ALIGHT Uganda’s work includes monitoring refugee settlements and inmates. His client wishes to remain anonymous for security reasons. The Attorney says rape cases are common but rarely reported to the police, victims are denied medical treatments, and accusations are not investigated. Rarely, however, does someone stand up to authorities. “I was very much surprised at my client’s […]
By James Kabengwa LONDON. For years, I dedicated my work as a journalist to fighting for human rights in Uganda. I never imagined that my passion for justice and equality would lead to threats against my life, forcing me into exile. Yet here I am, in the United Kingdom—a country that has offered me the freedom to speak my truth, but also a place that serves as a constant reminder of what I have left behind and what still needs to be done. In Uganda, being openly supportive of LGBTQ+ rights is akin to signing your own arrest warrant. When President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 into law, it wasn't just a political maneuver; it was a state-sanctioned attack on basic human dignity. The law prescribes extreme penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for what […]
By: ALINDA BAGENDA GRACE MBARARA: Gender and sexual minorities, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people (LGBTQ+) have a higher relative risk of acquiring HIV than the general population yet face significant barriers to accessing prevention, care, and treatment services due to stigma and criminalization, sources have revealed. This discrepancy has only worsened in Uganda since lawmakers enacted the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023. Annita Matsika, a senior health journalist based in Mbarara, notes that in Greater Western Uganda, a region with over 20 million people, there are only two drop-in health clinics known to offer LGBTQ+ people safe and inclusive treatment. Some providers may not be knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ health issues or may hold biases that can impact the quality of care, according to Matsika. This lack of understanding can make individuals hesitant to seek medical assistance, Matsika […]
