Prominent human rights activist David Kato was murdered in Uganda last week. Described by human rights NGO Interights as a "leading light", Kato was committed to fighting for LGBT rights in Uganda. He worked as advocacy officer for the organisation "Sexual Minorities Uganda", campaigning against the Anti-Homosexuality Bill which has been before the Ugandan parliament since October 2009.
Homosexual sex is already illegal in Uganda, with this internationally condemned Bill going further - proposing to criminalise all homosexuality, with a punishment of a fine and life imprisonment. As a prominent activist against the Bill Kato along with other activists had been subject to victimisation. His photo, along with those of 99 other homosexuals, was published in a Ugandan newspaper with the headline "Hang Them" only months before his murder.
International human rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and Interights have called for a credible and impartial investigation into Kato's murder. Deputy Director for Africa of Amnesty International, Michelle Kagari, has outlined that "now more than ever is the time for the authorities to reassure Ugandans that it will protect them against threats and violence regardless of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity".
Please click here to read a statement about David Kato by Interights.
To sign a petition of Human Rights First to Ugandan President Museveni aiming to ensure Kato's murder is fully investigated and to stop the campaign of hate against sexual minorities in Uganda, please click here.