Nairobi, Kenya (African Boulevard News) -Gay Ugandans Face Double Displacement in Kenya
In the wake of the Kenyan Supreme Court’s ruling that the National Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) can officially register as a non-governmental organization (NGO), gay Ugandans who fled their country are facing upheaval in Kenya. The court’s decision, which deemed it unconstitutional to deny approval based on applicants’ sexual orientation, has had unintended consequences for LGBTQ+ refugees.
Violence and Discrimination Persist
Despite the progress in Kenya, displaced Ugandan LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face harassment and violence. Kyaviluga, a second-year computer engineering student in Nairobi, was attacked by locals who claimed he was dressed like a woman. The assailants smashed his phone and demanded he leave town.
Escape from Uganda to an Uncertain Future
In June 2018, Danee Naturibale, a 37-year-old openly gay man, moved to Kenya after escaping a Ugandan prison where he spent two months. He was among 20 people arrested at a party in Mbale, located in eastern Uganda. Unfortunately, the situation for Naturibale and others like him remains precarious in their new home.
LGBTQ Activist Found Dead in Kenya
Adding to the community’s fear and uncertainty, Edwin Chiloba, an LGBTQ activist, was found dead in Kenya. This tragic event has only heightened concerns for the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those who have already been displaced.
Struggle for Rights and Recognition Continues
The NGLHRC’s official registration as an NGO marks an important milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in Kenya. However, the challenges faced by gay Ugandans seeking refuge in the country serve as a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done to ensure safety and acceptance for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
