John Abdallah Wambere has been one of the most prominent LGBT activists in Uganda, which is an act of tremendous bravery in that viciously homophobic nation. Wambere was in the U.S. in February when Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni signed the country’s jail-the-gays bill into law. Now Wambere has concluded that it’s unsafe for him to return to his homeland. He’s seeking asylum in the U.S.
Wambere’s work in Uganda has made him a target for death threats. As co-founder of the LGBT group Spectrum Uganda Initiatives, Wambere has been featured on the front page of Uganda newspapers under such headlines as “Men of Shame Exposed.” He has seen his travel agency business vanish. He’s been repeatedly arrested and harassed and even evicted from his home.
Worst of all, he has endured the murder of his friend David Kato. Kato was murdered in his home three years ago, and since then things have only gotten worse for the LGBT community in Uganda.
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is handling Wambere’s case and hopes for a quick resolution. As for Wambere, he’s saddened by the turn of events. “It gives me great pain not to be with my community, allies, and friends while they are under increasing attack,” he said a press conference.
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Photo credit: GLAD
money718
Interesting. So if all the activists seek asylum in the US, what happens to the ones left behind? Do they give up?
Mezaien
John Abdallah Wambere, think twice! you think the USA is much better?. I mean you do remember South Africa, and Uganda Idi Amin Dada! just don`t give up we will help.
KDub
Wesley Snipes!
sejjo
@KDub: You’re so right, looks just like him.
Kangol
He should gain asylum, but the US can do much more to halt the rampant homophobia, so much of it inspired by US evangelicals, who see they’re losing the culture wars over here, and are always searching for fertile grown to sow their hateful craziness.