Nairobi, Kenya, 08 January 2024 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) condemns in the strongest terms the brutal knife attack on Ugandan LGBTQ+ activist Steven Kabuye. This shocking act of violence is an affront to basic human rights and dignity.

“What happened to Steven is unacceptable and inexcusable,” said Marie-Evelyne PETRUS-BARRY, IPPF Africa Regional Director. “No one should face threats, violence or persecution because of who they are or who they love. Steven was exercising his basic right to live openly and authentically - a right that belongs to everyone.”

Kabuye was stabbed multiple times by unknown assailants and left for dead on his way to work on January 3rd, 2023. This comes after Kabuye reported receiving death threats related to his LGBTQ+ advocacy work.

Sadly, this brutal attack reflects a broader climate of intolerance and hostility towards LGBTQ+ people in Uganda. Just last year, Uganda instituted one of the world’s most oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ laws, criminalizing same-sex relations and “aggravated homosexuality.”

“Such regressive legislation breeds discrimination and violence,” said Marie-Evelyne PETRUS-BARRY. “We call on the Ugandan authorities to urgently investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. But more broadly, the government must reconsider laws that deny LGBTQ+ people their basic human rights and dignity - universal rights. No one deserves to live in fear because of who they are.”

IPPFAR stands firmly with the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda and across Africa. All people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve to live freely and safely. We believe reproductive rights and broader human rights are interlinked and universal.

IPPFAR calls on civil society, faith institutions, cultural leaders and policymakers to:

• Unequivocally condemn violence against LGBTQ+ individuals
• Advocate repeal of laws criminalizing homosexuality
• Push for legal protections against LGBTQ+ discrimination
• Support health, psychosocial and security assistance for LGBTQ+ people
• Amplify LGBTQ+ voices and stories in national discourse

“Only by embracing our shared dignity can we build a just society. There is no room for homophobia, transphobia or exclusion of any kind,” Marie-Evelyne PETRUS-BARRY concluded.

IPPFAR stands ready to support efforts toward a more equal, inclusive Uganda where everyone can enjoy their rights and freedoms in full. Most urgently, our hearts remain with Steven Kabuye and the entire LGBTQ+ community in Uganda during this difficult time. Violence and dehumanization will not silence your voices or quash your spirit. Hatred cannot defeat love if we stand united for one another’s humanity.

END

For more on IPPFAR's statements on the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda:

• 23 March 2023 - Uganda: IPPF Africa Region strongly urges the government not to enact the new harmful anti – LGBTIQ+ law
• 10 May 2023 - Uganda: IPPF Africa Region Urges President Museveni to Veto Harmful New Anti-Rights Law Targeting LGBTIQ+ Community
• 30 May 2023 - IPPF Africa Condemns Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act as a Violation of Human Rights And Sexual And Reproductive Rights

For further information or to request an interview, please contact:

- Moctar MENTA, Media Advisor - IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 0113 896 555

ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR)

The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high-quality, youth-focused, and gender-sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, and United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa.

Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.