Kampala, Uganda – Ugandan has today police raided a private gathering of LGBTQ+ individuals, arresting multiple people in what rights groups say is part of a growing crackdown on sexual minorities in the country. The event, meant to provide a safe space for discussions on safety and survival, quickly turned into chaos as law enforcement stormed the venue, detaining attendees and leaving many fearing for their lives.
According to eyewitnesses, officers arrived without warning, forcefully arresting individuals and accusing them of promoting homosexuality. Some of those detained were later released after alleged bribes, while others remain missing. “They didn’t care what we were doing. They just assumed we were criminals because of who we are,” one survivor said.
When asked what they were discussing at the gathering, one of those arrested, Kayanja Moses, explained that the meeting was about finding ways to stay safe in an increasingly hostile environment. “We were talking about how to protect ourselves from attacks, where to go if we are thrown out of our homes, and how to support one another,” he said. “But they treated us like we were planning something illegal.”
Among those arrested were Patrick Nsubuga and Simon Kayondo, both of whom have since gone into hiding. Witnesses report that some detainees were beaten and verbally abused before being taken to police stations, where they were held without formal charges.
The raid is one of many incidents highlighting Uganda’s harsh stance against LGBTQ+ individuals. Over the years, authorities have intensified efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ gatherings, often using violent tactics. The government, backed by religious and political leaders, has repeatedly called for stricter measures, arguing that homosexuality goes against Ugandan culture and values.
Activists warn that such raids are pushing LGBTQ+ individuals further into hiding, cutting them off from vital support networks. “People are scared to even meet in private. They don’t know if they will be arrested or worse,” said a local human rights defender.
International organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned Uganda’s actions, calling on the government to stop persecuting its own citizens. However, authorities remain defiant, continuing to target LGBTQ+ individuals through mass arrests, public humiliation, and legal threats.
As the crackdown continues, those affected are left with limited options. Many live in fear, unable to work, find housing, or even seek medical care without risking exposure. For those who have managed to flee the country, the painful reality is that returning home is simply not an option.
The September 2022 raid is just one example of how Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community is being driven into silence. Without urgent intervention, activists warn, more lives will be destroyed.
