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Suspected homosexual activist wanted
Badru Muwanga Nyonyintono
Police is searching for a man, Badru Muwanga Nyonyintono, over operating a facility suspected to be promoting homosexuality.
According to police summonses signed by Mr Obwona Joseph on behalf of the Director Criminal Investigations on January 25, Mr Nyonyintono is accused of operating an illegal facility – Advocacy for the Excluded Minorities – in Kawempe, a Kampala suburb which among others promotes the rights of albinos, homosexuality and neglected old people.
However, under Ugandan laws, promotion of homosexuality is an illegal activity and is punishable under the Penal Code.
“…you are requested to report to criminal investigations headquarters in Kibuli … to assist in providing valuable information in respect to the matter being investigated. You will report to the deputy criminal investigations director for further guidance. Treat this matter as urgent,” the summonses read in part.
However, Mr Nyonyintono, according to police, is suspected to have fled the country after he was given a police bond on February, 10, on charges of promoting homosexuality and operating an illegal organisation.
Sunrise could not get a comment from Mr Nyonyintono as his known telephone contacts were out of reach by press time.
Homosexuality remains a sticky issue in Uganda and has seen a rise in discrimination against suspects.
In February 2014, President Museveni signed into law the controversial Anti-homosexuality Bill that had been passed by Parliament.
The Act, among others, advocated for life imprisonment of persons found guilty of “aggravated homosexuality” as well as criminalising the “promotion” of homosexuality in any form.
However, in 2015 court abolished the Anti-homosexuality Act after human rights advocates successfully challenged it arguing that the law was a gross infringement on human rights and would have adverse effects such as harassment of suspects.
Mob action and harassment of suspected homosexuals and advocates had, before and after the signing the law, was common raising concern among rights activities both within and beyond Uganda.
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