South Africa : Ugandan LGBTQ+ Activist Frank Fabian Kalungi Leads the Fight for Equality
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, one of the most draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, has created an alarming environment for human rights violations. Passed in May 2023, the law imposes life imprisonment for “homosexual acts” and even the death penalty for cases deemed “aggravated homosexuality.” This law has not only threatened the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals but has also fueled a wave of repression, with many Ugandans fleeing the country in fear.
According to human rights organizations, there has been a significant increase in reports of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and violence against LGBTQ+ people. A 2024 report by Human Rights Watch estimates that over 2,000 people have been arrested since the law’s enactment, with hundreds fleeing to neighboring countries, Europe, and North America to seek asylum. This grim reality highlights the intensifying assault on personal freedoms and the violation of international human rights norms.
Amidst this harsh climate, one courageous figure stands out: Frank Fabian Kalungi, a fearless LGBTQ+ activist, who has become a leading voice for the community’s rights in Uganda. Kalungi, who was imprisoned under the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, has remained undeterred in his quest for equality. He continues to lead a prominent organization in Uganda, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health care, areas in which LGBTQ+ individuals suffer tremendous neglect and abuse.
Kalungi’s activism extends beyond Uganda’s borders. As a keynote speaker at Wits University Pride in South Africa, he delivered a powerful message, rallying activists across Africa to unite in resistance against the growing repression of LGBTQ+ people. His speech condemned the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws sweeping across the continent, and he emphasized the urgent need to defend human rights at universities, where students are often dismissed or persecuted based on their sexuality or activism.
“We must fight tooth and nail,” Kalungi declared, “until queer rights are fully liberated in Africa.” His impassioned call for solidarity resonated strongly with the audience, as he stressed that activists must continue to challenge both the legal and societal structures that suppress LGBTQ+ people.
Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ law is part of a broader pattern of human rights violations that have escalated in recent years. A report by Amnesty International documented a 35% rise in cases of unlawful detention, torture, and state-sponsored violence in Uganda between 2022 and 2023. The Uganda Human Rights Commission also reported that in 2023 alone, over 1,500 complaints were lodged concerning human rights abuses, with LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately affected.
This systematic oppression has led many Ugandans to seek refuge abroad. In 2024, it is estimated that at least 500 LGBTQ+ individuals applied for asylum in Canada, with many more seeking safety in Europe and neighboring African countries such as Kenya. Human rights organizations continue to pressure the Ugandan government to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act, yet the authorities remain steadfast, dismissing international criticism as foreign interference.
Kalungi’s fight for equality is emblematic of the courage and resilience of Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community. Despite the challenges, activists like him are refusing to back down, continuing to push for justice and basic human rights. His work not only inspires fellow Ugandans but also galvanizes the broader African LGBTQ+ movement in their ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity.
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South Africa : Ugandan LGBTQ+ Activist Frank Fabian Kalungi Leads the Fight for Equality
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum