In countries where anti-LGBT legislation has increased, activists and health workers report difficulties in providing HIV treatment and prevention services to key populations. In Russia, officials blacklisted the country’s leading HIV NGOs as ‘foreign agents’ engaged in political activity. That label prevents groups from receiving funds and could lead to organizations shutting down all activity. That news item and … Continue reading
Tag Archives: Spectrum Uganda
David Kato: Martyr in ongoing struggle for LGBTI rights
By Kikonyogo Kivumbi and Colin Stewart Supporters of human rights for LGBTI people gathered today in Kampala, Uganda, to honor inspirational Ugandan activist David Kato on the fifth anniversary of his murder. Kato was killed in his Kampala home in January 2011, a few weeks after helping to secure a court injunction against a Ugandan … Continue reading
Nominations open for 2015 Ugandan human rights awards
Ugandan LGBTI and sex worker advocacy organizations are now accepting nominations for their 2015 Human Rights Awards. The awards being sponsored by Spectrum Uganda and Youth On Rock, two Ugandan organization that both fight Aids and seek recognition of human rights for LGBTI Ugandans and sex workers. Deadline for nominations is Nov. 29 via the … Continue reading
New Website for Spectrum Uganda
Spectrum Uganda Initiatives is pleased to announce they now have a new website. In making the announcement, John Abdallah Wambere aka Longjones, Co-Founder of Spectrum Uganda Initiatives, Human Rights Defender and Gay Activist said: “Because we have been without a website for some time, I want to extend my sincere thanks to all individuals and … Continue reading
Ugandan court dismisses case against activist Sam Ganafa
A Ugandan court has dismissed criminal charges against high-profile LGBTI rights activist Samuel K. Ganafa. Ganafa, executive director of the LGBTI rights group Spectrum Uganda Initiatives, and three colleagues had been charged with “unnatural offenses,” a crime that is punishable by as much as a life sentence. Ganafa, who also serves as board chair for … Continue reading
Ugandan activists to U.S.: Thanks for heeding our advice
LGBTI rights activists in Uganda cheered the United States for following their advice on how to avoid harming the Ugandan people while penalizing anti-gay Ugandan officials for the country’s harsh new anti-gay law. “In line with our guidelines. Very impressive. Thanks for the support,” tweeted Ugandan LGBTI activist Jacqueline Kasha Nabagesera after the U.S. announced its … Continue reading
Anti-gay Uganda today (1): Activist due in court
This blog’s reports about Uganda on June 18: Anti-gay Uganda today (1): Activist due in court Anti-gay Uganda today (2): Warning about HIV bill Anti-gay Uganda today (3): A goof that won’t go away Anti-gay Uganda today (4): Excluding gays from HIV care Uganda continues its campaign against the local LGBTI community: LGBTI rights activist on trial Court action … Continue reading
Prominent Ugandan gay activist seeks U.S. asylum
Republished by permission from the San Diego Gay & Lesbian News: John Abadallah Wambere, a prominent Ugandan gay activist who was featured in the documentaries “Call Me Kuchu” and “Missionaries of Hate,” filed for asylum today in the United States. Wambere has been an activist for 14 years, as a co-founder of Spectrum Uganda Initiatives, … Continue reading
As many as 12 awaiting gay-sex trials in Uganda
As a result of Uganda’s ongoing anti-gay crackdown, many LGBT people are in hiding and as many as a dozen Ugandans are currently awaiting trial on homosexuality-related charges. Three of them are in prison pending the outcome of their trials. Since President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act in February, an LGBT security hotline in … Continue reading
Appeal for Spectrum Uganda Initiatives
A Crowdrise fundraising initiative by Tyrone Davis I recently met a prominent Ugandan LGBTI activist—John “Long Jones” Abdallah Wambere—who runs an organization called “Spectrum Uganda Initiatives”. Spectrum is a practical initiative that provides lifesaving health services to LGBTI Ugandans living with HIV/AIDS, and currently serves over 500 clients with prevention, treatment, care, and support services. … Continue reading