Twenty years ago, when Frank Mugisha publicly acknowledged his sexuality, being homosexual in Uganda could be a lonely and uncomfortable experience, but it was not typically a life-threatening situation.
Since then, the dangers have increased as Mugisha has become the nation’s most well-known LGBTQ rights advocate. David Kato, a friend, and coworker, was fatally beaten in 2011. Death threats are frequently made against Mugisha.
Politicians and religious groups have stoked anti-gay sentiment and pushed for strict laws, which culminated in the passage last month by the parliament of a measure that would criminalize simply being LGBTQ.
However, Mugisha insists he won’t back down in the face of the new legislation, which is waiting for President Yoweri Museveni’s approval.
Parliament voted almost unanimously in favor of passing the bill. Mugisha’s effort could land him in jail if Museveni signs it, as is generally expected, because of a clause that bans the “promotion” of homosexuality with up to 20 years in prison.