Violence escalates as vile law takes hold in Uganda

Violent attacks are escalating as an abhorrent law takes hold. Now, it threatens to spread into neighbouring countries.

Catholic Pope Francis’ recent decision to bless same-sex marriages has caused uproar in Uganda, Africa which passed a draconian anti-gay law last year.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act is one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBT laws and includes the death penalty for “serial offenders”.

US evangelicals and Christians actively campaigned for the bill and voiced their support in setting a precedent for other African nations to emulate it.

Now, Pope Francis’ decision has triggered a widespread agitation and backlash not only among Catholics but the entire Christian faith in general across Africa, with many calling for the boycott of the Church, Rome and the Pope.

At the same time, attacks against the LGBTQ+ communities have intensified.

Prominent Ugandan activist Steve Kabuye was recently stabbed and left for dead outside his home while on his way to work.

Sources close to Kabuye said he has been receiving death threats and his assailants had been following him for a number of days.

Prominent Ugandan LGBTQ+ rights activist Steve Kabuye was recently attacked outside his home. Picture: X

Kabuye’s organisation, Coloured Voices Media Foundation-Truth to LGBTQ Uganda, shared a graphic video footage on X, showing Steven writhing in pain, a visible laceration stretched across his arm and a knife embedded in his abdomen.

“Steven is in critical condition and we implore everyone to keep him in their thoughts and prayers,” the organisation stated.

According police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, one of the helmeted men jumped off the bike and swung the knife at Kabuye targeting the neck.

“Kabuye managed to shield his neck with his right arm, resulting in a stab wound to his hand,” Onyango said in the statement. “Despite attempting to flee, the assailants chased and stabbed him in the stomach, and left him for dead.”

Kabuye was discovered by residents and taken to an area hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Mr Kabuye is also one of the activists challenging the Ugandan government in the constitutional court and fighting for the repeal of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed by President Yoweri Museveni into law in May. Since its enactment, at least seven people have been arrested under the law.

Transgender women at an evangelical church service in Kampala, Uganda, praying as the anti-LGBTQ laws are passed. Picture: Luke Dray/Getty Images

Frank Mugisha, the executive director of Sexual Minorities Uganda and a prominent Ugandan LGBTQ activist, told Reuters he believed homophobic attacks were fuelled by the law.

“The deep hate for sexual minorities that the law unleashed created an atmosphere in which such attacks are happening,” Mugisha said. “… hate crimes have no place in Uganda. We urge the Uganda police to conduct a thorough investigation.”

Another activist, Ronald Agaba expressed his outrage at the situation and demanded justice for Steven and his rescuer.

“Steven Kabuye is a hero and a role model for many Ugandans, who has devoted his life to defending the human rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

“He deserves respect and protection, not violence and hatred. However, the Uganda Police Force has failed to provide him with either. The police have tried to cover up the crime and blame the victim,” Ronald wrote on X.

“They have claimed that the attack was self-inflicted, which is absurd and insulting. They have also harassed and threatened Steven and his rescuer, who risked his own life to save Steven, with false accusations and ridiculous questions.”

A transgender women at a church service in Kampala, Uganda. Picture: Luke Dray/Getty Images

Uganda’s government has claimed the law is meant to criminalise same-sex activity and its promotion, not penalise LGBT Ugandans. *Matthew, an LGBTQ activist describes this as “blatant buffoonery”.

“The Ugandan government refusing to take accountability for this is so on brand and predictable on their part. LGBTQ Ugandans and activists have always been hounded and persecuted for decades, but ever since the new bill was signed last year it tripled and the government is fully aware of this spike.” Matthew told news.com.au.

“So them acting oblivious to Mr Kabuye’s ordeal knowing they handed a loaded gun to people who had been terrorising LGBTQ is preposterous.”

Over the past year, LGBTQ+ activism in Africa has been crippled and activists are targeted with specific clauses that threaten them with up to 20 years of imprisonment. But despite this setback, activists like Kabuye and Ronald are still relentlessly using their platform to fight for what they believe in.

“Based on the rate I’ve been receiving death threats lately, my life, whether it lasts another day or another decade, is a life of joy and freedom,” Ronald said.

Daniel Anthony is a Nigerian writer living in Lagos, Nigeria

Originally published as Violence escalates as vile law takes hold in Uganda