A music video set in Uganda for LGBTI rights | Photo: Facebook/Rainbow Riots
The Ugandan State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Simon Lokodo, canceled the country’s International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) event minutes before it was about to begin.
He sent his men to halt the event, claiming, ‘as he always does, that the gathering was aimed at promoting homosexuality’.
The men immediately ordered everyone gathered for the event to disperse.
Sexual Minorities Uganda Executive Director Dr. Frank Mugisha addressed the cancellation.
‘We had organised an event to commemorate the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia at SMUG,’ he said.
‘Unfortunately, it has been interrupted by the Kampala Metropolitan Police and the Minister of Ethics and Integrity. It’s very unfortunate that this kind of harassment continues to happen; in fact it is the reason we organize such events — to try to bring an end to the discrimination of LGBTIQ persons in Uganda.’
Uganda’s struggle for pride
Ugandan officials have canceled LGBTI events in the country before.
Pride was prohibited two years in a row. Ugandans held a secret Pride celebration for themselves.
Earlier this year, police raided an LGBTI film festival in Uganda. However, they defiantly finished screening the films afterwards.
People observe IDAHOT annually on 17 May to bring awareness to LGBTI rights around the world — and also lack thereof. The theme of this year’s event is Alliances for Solidarity.
Georgia also had to cancel their events today.
H/t: Kuchu Times
