Success at Ugandan LGBTQ fundraiser; more help needed

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

Bad Black performs during the March 28 show. (Photo courtesy of Stella Nyanzi)

Frank Kamya (Kanobana Mwanje Franco) performs during the March 28 show. (Photo courtesy of Stella Nyanzi)

The March 28 featured singing and dancing. (Photo courtesy of Stella Nyanzi) — The March 28 show featured both singing and dancing. (Photo courtesy of Stella Nyanzi)

Ugandan anthropologist and social science researcher Stella Nyanzi here reviews the March 28 event that raised money to help beleaguered Ugandan LGBTQ asylum seekers in Kenya, but also notes that more money is needed.

By Stella Nyanzi

Community support and unity is priceless, particularly in struggles against diverse forms of oppression. I want to celebrate different leaders of the LGBTIQ community in Uganda for standing with Kanobana Mwanje Franco, contributing and attending the fundraiser event for Ugandan LGBTI asylum seekers living in disparate parts of Uganda. There were representatives from the leadership of:

Sexual Minorities Uganda – SMUG,
Icebreakers Uganda,
Spectrum Uganda,
Youth on Rock,
Come Out Post-Test Club,
Action for Transgender Rights,
UHRA [Uganda Harmonized Rights Alliance]

and members of support organisations as well as community members who do not belong to organisations. Kuchus in diaspora also contributed from their personal funds! Mwebalire ddala nnyo, banaffe! (“Thank you very much indeed, our friends!” in the Luganda language.) Joseph gave us half a million shillings in cash.

Slightly over 1,600,000 Uganda shillings [about US $530] were collected, thanks to everyone who contributed. This is half the amount of money that is required for now. Franco is still receiving money via mobile money on (+256) 0753833910 or 0784500759 or Western Union.

The money will go towards buying maize flour, beans, fuel – either charcoal or firewood, transportation to and from UNHCR offices for process meetings, rent in shared accommodation, and emergency medicines. Monthly financial support from an organisation in Kenya will stop at the end of March 2015.

The performers entertained us heartily with a range of brilliant acts. About ten artists relied on their talents to freely contribute towards the fundraising. Many dare not risk showing their faces because of potential stigma and insults, but they were class acts. [Editor’s note: Their photos are not included here.]

I was touched by a Congolese refugee who sang freestyle a composition. I was also impressed by the MC for whom it was the first time to perform at any public function.

This time, we came together to support our own. Aluta continua! [The struggle continues!]

As noted above, further contributions are needed. Money can be transmitted by Airtel Money at +256753833910 or by MTN Mobile Money at +256784500759.

For more information, contact Kanobana Mwanje Franco on Facebook or leave your question in a comment below.