Uganda

Despite harsh crackdowns on freedoms of expression, assembly and association for LGBTI communities in Uganda over the past months, various actions still took place for the International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia 2014.

One group released a brief statement outlining some actions in Uganda around May 17, and calling for solidarity:
“As part of IDAHOT celebrations today, a team of three is visiting 5 major police stations today on a friendly ground to discuss and denounce their military actions on the LGBTI persons of Uganda. We hope by the end of this process, we shall identify the friendly and positive stations that can respond during crisis in terms of mob justice, eviction, arrest and other aspects of human rights violations. We also intend to tell them about 17th May being an international recognized day against homophobia and transphobia. A report will be issued shortly. We wish you the best day and please wherever you are, aim at creating change and pray for Uganda.”
International groups focus on LGBTI rights abuses in Uganda
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International issued a joint press release on May 15, based on research amongst LGBTI communities in Uganda. The report documents an increase in violence, as well as arbitrary arrests, evictions, police abuse and extortion, loss of employment and homelessness against LGBTI individuals in the country, since the Anti-Homosexuality Law was passedon December 20, 2013.
The release can be read in full here.
We are awaiting further reports from local groups.