Uganda: Another LGBT prisoner awaits her trial

Colin Stewart is a 45-year journalism veteran living in Southern…

Luzira Prison (Photo courtesy of Red Pepper)

The ongoing anti-gay crackdown in Uganda has sent another LGBT person to prison.

Emma Bbosa, a transgender woman, has been detained in Luzira Prison awaiting trial on charges of arson and malicious damage to property.

Her case is being handled by the advocacy group Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum — Uganda (HRAPF), which is provided legal representation for several LGBT defendants.

Adrian Jjuuko, executive director of HRAPF, said Bbosa was framed as an arsonist by the landlord of her partner. She was arrested on April 15, released on police bond on April 16, and re-arrested on April 17, Jjuuko said.

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Bbosa is in prison awaiting a court appearance on May 5. HRAPF is seeking her release on bail before then.

Her case is a new addition to the several cases reported in the article “As many as 12 awaiting gay-sex trials in Uganda.” That article has also been updated to include additional information about the cases of Maurice Okello, Anthony Oluku and Grace Akello, who also are all in prison awaiting court action.