Ugandan gay rights activist Steven Kabuye is in critical condition after being brutally stabbed by unknown assailants, raising concerns about escalating violence against the LGBTQ+ community in the wake of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. Kabuye, a well-known advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, was attacked by two men on a motorcycle, with the assailants allegedly aiming to kill him. The incident has sparked outrage and fears among activists, highlighting the potential consequences of the controversial legislation that imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty, for certain homosexual acts.
Graphic Video Surfaces on Social Media
A distressing video posted on the social media platform X captures the aftermath of the attack, showing Kabuye lying on the ground with a deep cut on his right arm and a knife lodged in his belly. The graphic nature of the footage underscores the brutality of the assault and the serious injuries sustained by the activist.
Homosexual activity in Uganda faces not only cultural stigma but also legal scrutiny under the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. The incident involving Kabuye has reignited fears among LGBTQ+ activists, who express concerns that the new law may embolden attacks against the gay community. The legislation introduces harsh penalties, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and a 20-year prison term for anyone deemed to be “promoting” homosexuality.
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The Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023’s Impact
Fellow activist Hans Senfuma, in a social media post, asserts that Kabuye believes the attackers intended to kill him rather than rob him. Senfuma claims that Kabuye suspected being followed for several days, raising questions about the motive behind the assault. The allegations of targeted violence against Kabuye contribute to growing apprehension within the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda.
Kabuye, who had expressed grave worry about the repercussions of the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, condemned the act on social media as a breach of basic human rights. The law imposes harsh penalties, including the death penalty for specific homosexual actions, and sets a troubling precedent for discrimination and persecution of the LGBTQ+ population.
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