The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has called out Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over the slow investigation into the attack of LGBTQ activist Steven Kabuye.
In a statement on January 9, the commission condemned the attack on the activist asking the Ugandan authorities to take prompt action and bring the attackers to justice.
The LGBTQ activist, Steven Kabuye, was stabbed by two assailants on January 3, sustaining injuries. Reportedly, the attack occurred after the activist had reported several death threats.
“Authorities should handle this seriously, conducting a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute the culprits to the fullest extent of the law.
“Every person deserves respect, dignity, and safety, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. This is non-negotiable.
We cannot compromise on protecting the rights and freedoms of each individual,” the statement read in part.
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KHRC Asks Museveni to Change LGBTQ Law
Additionally, KHRC argued that the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda was encouraging attacks on LGBTQ community members in the country.
Further, the commission stated that since the Act was enacted in May 2023, there has been an increase in hate and intolerance against LGBTQ persons.
“The law has catalyzed increased persecution and exacerbated the vulnerability of individuals within the LGBTQ community, especially those on the frontlines advocating for equality and justice. Now, anti-LGBTQ attacks are more frequent than ever before,” noted KHRC.
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Also, while affirming its unwavering support for LGBTQ activists in Uganda, the commission called on Museveni to repeal the Act, to protect the lives of the activists in the East African nation.
“The Anti-Homosexuality Act has fostered an atmosphere of fear and discrimination. We vehemently oppose such oppressive laws and stand in support of the rights and dignity of every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
“We underscore the urgency of repealing the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda. It will show that Uganda stands for equality, human rights, and justice for all its citizens,” explained KHRC.
Uganda’s Death Penalty Against LGBTQ Community
The Anti-Homosexuality Act imposes the death penalty on people who identify as homosexual in Uganda as a way of bringing to an end the community in the country.
At the same time, the law bans same-sex intercourse, the promotion and abetting of homosexuality as well as conspiracy to engage in homosexuality.
Consequently, violations under the law draw severe penalties, including death for aggravated homosexuality and life in prison for gay sex.
Aggravated homosexuality involves gay sex with people under the age of 18 or when the perpetrator is HIV positive, among other categories, according to the law.
