Colin Stewart
Police in Uganda have resumed their harassment of gay activists who fight HIV/AIDS among LGBT youths.
Nsubuga Pin, a member and security manager for Youth on Rock Foundation, was arrested this week, accused of homosexuality, and held in police custody in Kampala for a day, the foundation’s executive director reported.
Pin was released on police bond after Youth on Rock members went to the police station to ask for his release.
Police started their probe of the Youth on Rock Foundation on Dec. 31, with the arrest of co-founder Joseph Kawesi, followed by the arrest of Kabuye Najibu, the organization’s finance manager, on Jan. 2 when he went to visit Kawesi.
Martin (Morgan) Kanyike, executive director of the foundation, was detained Jan. 29.
All four have been released without charges being pressed against them in court. Their release on police bond does not require them to make any payment, but the police “ask you to give them some money behind the doors,” Kanyike said.
The previous three arrested Youth on Rock members were repeatedly called in for further questioning by police. Pin was ordered to report back to the police station in Kampala on May 15.
During questioning, foundation members say, police accuse them of promoting homosexuality and violating laws against homosexual activity. Kanyike said they are also asked to explain what Youth on Rock does, who is in charge, and where its funds come from. They also ask to describe their sexual practices.
The foundation continues to serve LGBT youths, most of them HIV-positive, despite harassment by police. They have established a safe house for their own protection and have been seeking financial support to reopen their office.
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