Last we heard, thieves had broken into the secret offices of the Ugandan LGBT organization Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), vandalized the workspace, and stolen five computers—one of which had FARUG’s member list. FARUG’s lawyers finally persuaded police to investigate the crime scene and the police noted that the acid used in the vandalism is a rare kind that might be easier to trace back to a culprit. But since then there’s also been a break-in at another Ugandan LGBT organization and a call for help.
Four days after the FARUG break-in, criminals also broke into the offices of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG… you gotta love the Ugandan acronyms)—no word yet whether they stole anything, whether the police have begun an investigations, or whether the two break-ins are linked. However the timing seems suspicious, especially in light of the hasty resurrection of Uganda’s “Kill the Gays” bill.
FARUG needs to hire a security guard, install cameras, replace stolen equipment, purchase computer backups, and install internet to get back into business. And so they have humbly asked for any financial, technical and emotional support you can offer.
If you have even a dollar to spare via PayPal, please take a moment and give. Just login to your PayPal account, click on “send money,” and enter [email protected] as the recipient’s e-mail address. It takes only a minute and could help countless Ugandan LGBTs living in their hostile homeland.
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paulcanning
Thank you!
Truck Darling
Dear Queerty,
Thank you so very, very much for your attention in the first article about the Ugandan burglary & this follow-up via Paul Canning with specific ways to help this human rights organization. I am grateful for your vigilance & wish for us all to keep the safety & security of FARUG, SMUG and all vulnerable organizations that support LGBTI rights as the fundamental rights they are, aloft. Providing the direct ways one can help is certainly lyfe-saving not only to the members but to the movement & its future work. Thank you again for running it.
with warmth & gratitude,
Truck Darling, MCCNY church, New York
Rich
Money sent!