EU leader in Uganda pays tribute to murdered gay-rights activist David Kato

It’s OK not to be ‘pretty, muscular, reproductive, maternal, agile, useful or pale’.

 

Head of EU Delegation in Uganda Pays Tribute to Late Gay rights activist David Kato

Ambassador Jan Sadek, the head of the European Union delegation in Uganda, has paid tribute to the late LGBTQ rights activist David Kato, underscoring the ongoing fight for human rights and the role of activists in advancing justice and equality.

Sadek was speaking at the Fourth Annual David Kato Kisule Memorial Lecture, held in Kampala on March 12.

Kato, an early and influential LGBTQ rights activist, was murdered in 2011 in a homophobic attack. He was the advocacy and litigation officer at for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).

The memorial event centered on the theme “LGBTQI+ Movements in Crisis: Navigating Persecution, Legal Constraints and Associational Rights in Shrinking Civic Space”.

In his remarks, Sadek said, “LGBTQI+ activists like David Kato Kisule, whose life was taken far too soon because of his bravery and commitment to human dignity and equality, leave behind a legacy that calls us to action. It reminds us that the fight for human rights is never over and that each of us has a role to play in advancing justice and equality”.

Sadek encouraged LGBTQI+ communities to continue living their truth and being themselves.l He pledged the EU’s support for global LGBTQ human rights.

With President Donald Trump back at the White House with an anti-LGBTQI+ agenda, LGBTQI+ rights activists expect zero support from the U.S government for human rights advocacy.

Instead, they expect that, with support from evangelicals and the U.S. government, local homophobic groups will be emboldened to further dehumanize LGBTQI+ persons.

As a result, Europe remains Ugandan activists’ best continuing ally.

Also attending the David Kato memorial lecture were Maria Hakansson, the Swedish ambassador to Uganda; Kevin Colgan, the Irish ambassador to Uganda; Dr. Frank Mugisha, executive director of SMUG; Hassan Shire, executive director of East African advocacy group DefendDefenders.

Lydia Namubiru, the editor-in-chief of the South Africa based newspaper The Continent, gave the keynote address emphasizing the importance of coordinating with other movements and exercising collective care while seeking what she referred to as truth for healing and repair.

Namubiru highlighted the significance of LGBTQI+ visibility in challenging societal norms.

“If we exist, survive, thrive and we are seen to,” she said, “so can other bodies that are not (or won’t be) as pretty, muscular, reproductive, maternal, agile, useful or pale as our tyrannically prescriptive societies demand we all be.”

Sexual Minorities Uganda, the lead organizer of the lecture, stated on its X account:

“As a movement, we continue to honor David Kato’s legacy and the vital work he did for the community. His fight for justice and equality inspires us to keep advocating for a better society for ourselves and for all members of the LGBTIQ+ community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the speakers, panelists, and attendees who made this event possible”.

The human rights advocacy group Chapter Four Uganda also paid its tribute to Kato: “Earlier today, we joined @SMUG2004 and partners for the Annual David Kato Kisuule Memorial Lecture, a vital platform to honor David’s legacy while critically examining the evolving socio-political landscape impacting the rights of LGBTIQ community. Stand up for equality for all”.

The event also featured a panel discussion and an award ceremony. This year’s David Kato Vision and Voice Award winner is Godiva Akullo, a lawyer and feminist organizer with extensive experience in human rights law and LGBTQI+ rights advocacy.

In her award acceptance speech, Akullo said she was honored to be associated with the legacy of David Kato.

“I am elated to receive this special award that has previously been given to activists doing important work to advance the rights of LGBTIQ people all over the world. I am proud to have my work and role in the movement recognised and celebrated in this manner. The award is much-appreciated recognition and validation of the work I continue to do to expand visibility of queer Ugandans and to advocate for social inclusion, acceptance and legal protection of a community that I am proud to be a part of.

“The current climate of criminalization and legally sanctioned discrimination against LGBT Ugandans from society is painful and frightening, and this award is a much-needed boost and gives me inspiration to continue the struggle and continue to live my life openly and unapologetically”, she said.

The award started in 2012 in recognition of Kato’s life and work. It recognizes the leadership of individuals who strive to uphold the numerous dimensions of sexual rights for LGBTQ+ people.