Uganda Accused of State-Sponsored Bigotry, LGBTQ+ Attacks

Uganda Accused of State-Sponsored Bigotry and Attacks on LGBTQ+ People

A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) accuses Ugandan authorities of widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people in the two years since harsh anti-gay laws were enacted.

Key Findings

The report criticizes President Museveni's regime for:

• Arbitrary arrests and detentions
• Violence and extortion
• Targeting the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters

Public figures have reportedly engaged in virulent homophobic rhetoric, fostering an environment of impunity for attacks. Activists report a surge in human rights violations, including evictions and violence. Clare Byarugaba, a LGBTQ+ rights activist in the capital, Kampala, highlighted the severe human cost of these laws.

Human Rights Watch's Call to Action

HRW is calling for an end to the clampdown and urging Uganda to uphold human rights for all its citizens. "Uganda should end its assault on LGBT people and choose a future of dignity, equality and freedom for all those who live there," said Oryem Nyeko, a senior HRW researcher.