Black Looks

I spoke with Victor last Wednesday and though in her second week of hiding was in much better spirits.  Partly because she felt much safer in the new safe house and partly because she was expected to be in this one place for a while.   She is still being supported by Amnesty International (see their statement here) and IGLHRC are supporting her decision to sue the local LC1 chairman, Mr John Lubega for "abusing her friend and violating her right to privacy by illegally searching her house on July 20th".  Victor has had to go into hiding as she fears of her life and well being by both the police and some homophobic persons who have threatened her since the police exposed her name. 

In addition to Victor going into hiding, many activists and gay and lesbians have fled the country whilst others have betrayed their comrades by providing information to the police on people’s whereabouts.   The situation is very tense as no one feels they can trust their friends or colleagues.   There has also been a series of vicious rumours being spread about Victor such as she instigated the whole situation in order to obtain asylum outside of Uganda. This is completely untrue.  She has  never contemplated leaving Uganda and it was her decision to remain in Uganda and to take the matter to court.   Victor has asked that people should understand that this is not just about her as a lesbian it is about Human Rights in Uganda and in Africa which we should all work together to bring about the necessary changes in the law and in society.   As such she asks that the international gay and lesbian community and all supporters of human rights to please support her action.

Victor no longer has access to her mobile so it is doubtful I will have any conversations in the near future with her and will have to rely on an intermediary for information on her well being and the progress in the case. 

Tags:  Uganda Gay & Lesbian Human Rights