GALCK Statement on State-Sanctioned Disruptions of Pride Celebrations in Uganda

The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya (GALCK) is the national umbrella body for SOGIE organizations representing various lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex voices from across Kenya. Together we envision a safe and enabling environment for SOGIE organizations and individuals in Kenya.The Gay and Lesbian Coalition of Kenya condemns in the strongest terms possible, the unlawful disruption of the peaceful LGBQ Pride event in Kampala, Uganda. This follows reports that police raided the venue and subsequently arrested and detained while physically assaulting activists and attendees of the Pride celebrations – a clear violation and vilification of the fundamental rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer and Gender Non-Conforming persons.

At the United Nations Human Rights Council 2014, member states such as Uganda were urged to address any and all forms violence and discrimination on grounds of Sexual orientation, Gender Identity and Expression. As a member state of the United Nations, Uganda is mandated to abide by the principles of human rights including equality, non-discrimination and privacy as enshrined in the universal declaration of Human Rights. Uganda is also mandated to uphold the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which safeguard the rights of freedom of association, expression and speech.

GALCK urges the Ugandan Government to uphold its obligations and commitments to human rights and calls for the immediate cessation of degrading, humiliating and abusive treatment meted out against Ugandan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming persons.

GALCK further urges the Ugandan Government to uphold the fundamental principles of unity, peace, equality, democracy, freedom, social justice and progress, the basis of an enabling socio-economic and political environment as enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution.

Law enforcement agencies have a duty to uphold the law of the land, to be ambassadors of justice and respect human rights. They are to execute their duties in a manner that is just and is in alignment with their constitution.

#TheIssueIsViolence #UGPride2016 #StandingTogether