How Ugandan prisons and police cells pose hazard for LGBTQ+ minorities
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 […]
