Open letter to Uganda President

By Kuchu Diaspora Alliance

Dear President Museveni,

We are Ugandans in the Diaspora. At the hands of state officials, faith leaders, and family members we have been abused, ostracized, and dehumanized. As a result, we have been forced to flee our country in search for refuge. We are writing to tell you our story so that our concerns will be considered.

Although we find ourselves exiled, we remain connected to our country. Our heritage is undeniably Ugandan. The struggles and triumph of our nation form an unquestionable fabric of who we are. Regrettably, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex persons in Uganda are denied the freedom to enjoy the peace of the country.

In the wake of Parliament’s passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, we have found our collective voice to request your intervention in upholding the values championed by your leadership. The story of our country is that of liberation from the tyranny of past leadership. We believe in the principles of peace and liberation as espoused by the National Resistance Movement. This year, as we look back on the 28 years of your leadership, we still believe in a Uganda where all citizens have freedom to exercise their inherent right to peaceful existence.

Mr. President, as you decide on the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, we ask that you reflect on your words that we should not be “killed” or “persecuted.” As Ugandans await your decision on this bill, we ask that you consider this legislation a matter of public policy. Demonizing an already marginalized group of people creates an environment of fear which prevents them from seeking health services. Any law that criminalizes the existence of a particular group of people will restrain progress.

We hope that you will champion the same progress that once made Uganda a model in fighting AIDS.

Although the death penalty clause was eliminated from the bill, criminalizing innocent Ugandans and silencing those who address human rights violations will lead to escalated violence, discrimination, and blackmail against members of our community. If made law, the bill—as with all legislation that is not based on informed research—could become an instrument of torture to all Ugandans who differ in belief and opinion. The effects of signing a bill that threatens the lives of innocent citizens may be impossible to reverse.

We call for meaningful dialogue on issues that divide Ugandans. We ask for informed research as opposed to irrational reaction to issues of human sexuality. Social change in Uganda will not be achieved through violent means but through sustained dialogue and respect for the humanity of all Ugandans.

May God grant you continued wisdom and counsel. We wish you and your family a fruitful 2014.

Most Respectfully,

Kuchu Diaspora Alliance

Signed:

Victor Mukasa (Maryland, USA)

Val Kalende (California, USA)

Robert Karemire (New York, USA)

Naome Ruzindana (Sweden)

Hasifah Nakiganda (Denmark)

Stosh Hope Mugisha (Örebro, Sweden)

Jimmy Sserwadda (Sweden)