Silenced Celebrations: Pride Uganda and the Fight Against Oppressive Laws

For over a decade, Pride Uganda celebrated every August has been a powerful symbol of resistance, community, and celebration for queer Ugandans. It has served as a beacon of hope, a defiant stance against systemic oppression, and a crucial space for visibility and advocacy. However, for the past two years, this celebration of identity and resilience has been silenced. The re-enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act has cast a dark shadow over the LGBTQI+ community, making it impossible to hold Pride events openly and safely. This is not a time of celebration but a cry for justice and a plea for change.

The Anti-Homosexuality Act, first introduced in 2014 and recently reinstated, imposes severe penalties on anyone identified as LGBTQI+, including life imprisonment and death for certain acts. This draconian law has forced many queer Ugandans into hiding, stripped away their rights, and rendered the mere act of organizing a Pride event a dangerous endeavor. For the past two years, the community has been deprived of the joy and solidarity that Pride Uganda represents. What should have been a space for coming together to celebrate diversity and love has instead become a painful reminder of the state’s hostility towards its own citizens.

Pride Uganda was born out of the bravery of lesbian, bisexual, and queer (LBQ) women like Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and Clare Byarugaba. These women have been on the front lines, advocating for the rights of LGBTQI+ individuals in a country where their very existence is criminalized. Their leadership and courage have been vital in fostering a sense of community and resistance among queer Ugandans. But under the current law, even these stalwart leaders face heightened risks and threats to their safety, making it nearly impossible to continue their advocacy as before.

This week, as we also remember Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman and a key figure in the Stonewall Riots, we are reminded of the global struggle for LGBTQI+ rights. Marsha’s fight against police brutality and systemic discrimination mirrors the battles queer Ugandans are fighting today. Yet, while Stonewall marked the beginning of a movement that has seen significant victories in some parts of the world, Uganda’s LGBTQI+ community faces increasing hostility and regression in legal protections.

Across the globe, queer women have been instrumental in pushing for change, often at great personal risk. In Uganda, organizations founded by LBQ women, have worked tirelessly to support and protect LBTQI+ individuals. However, the current legal landscape has severely restricted their ability to operate, leaving many without the support they need. The situation in Uganda is a stark reminder that while progress has been made in some areas, the fight for equality and justice is far from over for many.

This is not just a Ugandan issue; it is an African crisis. Ghana has just passed the same law, Kenya has a similar law in the works not to talk about countries where the words “LGBTQI+” cannot be mentioned. The international community must stand in solidarity with queer Africans, amplifying their voices and demanding the repeal of oppressive laws. We cannot celebrate Pride while so many of our siblings are forced into silence and fear. It is a time for action, support, and unwavering advocacy for those who continue to live under the threat of violence and imprisonment.

As we reflect on what Pride means, let us not forget those who are unable to march, dance, or celebrate openly. Let us commit to fighting for a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live freely and safely. The struggle for LGBTQI+ rights in Uganda is a stark reminder that Pride is not just a celebration; it is a protest, a demand for equality, and a fight for the basic human right to exist.

This year, instead of celebrating, we raise our voices in unison with queer Ugandans, demanding an end to harmful laws that threaten their very existence. Until every person can live openly and without fear, our work is not done.

Happy Pride Uganda, and happy birthday to Marsha P. Johnson. May your legacies continue to inspire us all.