‘The fear we are living with’: LGBTQ2 Ugandans in hiding after new anti-homosexuality law passed

Uganda, an east African nation, has passed what is being considered some of the harshest anti-homosexuality legislation the world has ever seen.

It is being discussed discreetly in quiet corners of loud rooms, in hushed voices as shifting eyes scan for any unintended ears.  Many in Uganda are talking about the country’s new law but few feel comfortable speaking about it publicly out of fear for their safety.

The east African nation passed what is being considered some of the harshest anti-homosexuality legislation the world has ever seen. It has sparked outrage with many western nations calling it ‘draconian’ and  a ‘gross violation of human rights.’

Those in Uganda’s already criminalized and largely outcasted LGBTQ2 community are being pushed even further into hiding, but some are determined to do whatever it takes to fight back.

‘Kinyagiro,’ a Ugandan mother and a professional, is bisexual. Global News is protecting her real name for her safety. She agreed to be interviewed in the dark of night on video conference, but roughly two minutes into the conversation she abruptly changes the subject.

“A security person just showed up and they just paused so I’m just going to walk away, oh my God,” she said breathless, picking up the stride in her step.

“I got freaked out ’cause that’s the kind of thing that’s happening right now,” said Kinyagiro once she felt safe enough to call back. “You’re not sure, you don’t know who is going to be picked up or for what reason,”

Same-sex relations in Uganda have always been a crime carrying a potential life sentence. The new law calls for the death penalty for LGBTQ2 people convicted of having sex with a minor or if the accused has an illness like HIV/AIDS.  Those found promoting homosexuality could face 20 years in jail.

Kinyagiro says many in the community are in a perpetual state of anguish.