A leading Ugandan activist for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people was brutally attacked on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking concerns about the escalating dangers faced by sexual minorities in the country.
Steven Kabuye, a prominent member of the Coloured Voices Media Foundation, was reportedly stabbed multiple times near his home in Kampala as he headed to work. Graphic footage shared by the organization showed him lying in pain, with a knife protruding from his stomach.
Police say they are investigating the attack, but details remain unclear. However, many, including fellow activist Frank Mugisha, believe the assault was fueled by homophobia and directly linked to Uganda’s harsh anti-gay law, one of the most stringent in the world.
Enacted last year, the law prescribes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts and has been widely condemned by human rights groups. Critics argue it has created a climate of fear and violence, emboldening individuals to target LGBT people with impunity.
“The deep hate for sexual minorities that the law unleashed created an atmosphere in which such attacks are happening,” said Mugisha.
Rights groups report a surge in anti-LGBT abuse since the law’s passage. This includes rapes, torture, and beatings, often perpetrated by private individuals. The government, however, denies that the law is responsible and claims it is solely aimed at criminalizing same-sex activity, not targeting LGBT Ugandans themselves.
The attack on Kabuye comes as a court case challenging the constitutionality of the law is ongoing. A decision is yet to be reached, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for protection for Uganda’s LGBT community and the potential consequences of discriminatory legislation.
This tragedy underscores the importance of international attention and pressure on Ugandan authorities to repeal the anti-gay law and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
