in uganda, the journey for members of the gay community often involves a search for safety and belonging. while direct references to specific gay bars in kampala are scarce due to the sensitive nature of lgbtq+ existence in the country, the broader narrative highlights the existence of safe havens and the systemic challenges faced by individuals seeking such spaces.
these narrative threads point to a community that, despite facing significant societal and legal hurdles, strives to create environments where individuals can find support and respite.
the search for refuge: understanding the need for safe houses
for many gay individuals in uganda, particularly those who have been ostracized by their families or fled difficult situations, the concept of a safe house or shelter is paramount.
these are not necessarily public establishments like bars, but rather private residences that offer a degree of anonymity and protection. the story of 'ali', who fled his home and found a temporary residence, illustrates this critical need. upon hearing about a place offering meals and assistance with employment for homeless gay men, he sought refuge there.
however, even these havens are not immune to the prevailing societal climate.
facing persecution: ali's experience with authorities
ali's experience underscores the precariousness of living openly as a gay man in uganda. shortly after finding a place of relative safety, the onset of the coronavirus pandemic led to a crackdown on gatherings.
ali, along with over twenty other men from his shelter, was arrested. the accounts describe a public spectacle of humiliation, with individuals being paraded and subjected to mockery. "we were lined up and the public called to stare at us, mock and humiliate us.
people were spitting on us," ali recounts. the group was charged with violating pandemic restrictions and imprisoned.
within the correctional facility, the trauma continued. ali alleges that during their 50-day incarceration, he and others endured severe abuse.
"some of my friends were burnt in their private parts with firewood coals. we were beaten for about three hours, with wires and planks of wood," he states, referencing scars on his arms as evidence. these claims are contested by the uganda prisons service spokesperson, frank baine, who denies any torture or resulting marks, stating the individuals were remanded and later released after charges were dropped.
the shelter system: a fragile network of support
following his release, ali found refuge in another of the estimated twenty-plus shelters operating across uganda.
these homes, often functioning with a degree of secrecy, are vital for lgbtq+ individuals seeking safety and community. the shelter ali moved into is located in a northern suburb of kampala, accessed via less conspicuous routes. the residents are understandably cautious about revealing its exact location, reflecting the underlying fear of discovery.
a glimpse inside: life in a kampala shelter
the shelter, described as a formerly residential bungalow, shows signs of wear, with paint chipping and the overall aesthetic of a family home adapted for communal living.
it sits within a secured compound, offering a buffer from the outside world, shaded by mature mango and jackfruit trees. inside, the living spaces have been repurposed to accommodate multiple residents. the living room, for instance, is now filled with mattresses, bedding, and personal belongings, indicating a high occupancy and the necessity of maximizing space.
the manager of the shelter has instructed residents to be prepared for a potential relocation, a directive stemming from the possibility of the anti-homosexuality bill becoming law.
this preparedness involves disassembling furniture, such as triple-decker bunk beds, highlighting the constant state of flux and uncertainty faced by these communities. the sense of disarray is a direct manifestation of the looming legislative threats.
personal stories of hardship and resilience
the challenges extend beyond the physical spaces.
'tim' (a pseudonym), another resident of the shelter, shared the profound impact of being outed to his family. his parents, particularly his pastor father, ceased financial support, including university tuition, effectively severing ties. this familial rejection led to deep psychological distress.
"some nights I felt disgusted with myself. I would go to the shower and scrub myself like 10 times," tim confessed, speaking to the internalized shame and trauma that can result from such experiences.
tim also experienced significant cyber harassment when the anti-homosexuality bill was being debated in parliament.
the fear of these safe spaces being targeted is palpable. "now it scares me that a place like this could be tagged as a brothel. I feel like we had a wound that was beginning to heal and now it has been scratched open," tim expressed, his words conveying a profound sense of renewed vulnerability and despair.
uganda's legal landscape and international condemnation
uganda's legal framework already criminalizes consensual same-sex sexual relations between adults, placing it among 32 African nations with such laws.
the proposed anti-homosexuality bill has drawn widespread international criticism. the united states has indicated the possibility of imposing sanctions, while the european union has reiterated its firm stance against the death penalty in all circumstances, a penalty that has been a point of contention within the bill's proposals.
the current climate, marked by legislative discussions and societal hostility, makes the existence and operation of any public gay gathering spaces, such as bars, exceedingly difficult and dangerous.
the focus for many remains on finding and maintaining private, safe environments where they can simply exist without fear of persecution. the resilience of individuals like ali and tim, and the networks of support they rely on, are crucial in navigating these challenging realities within kampala and uganda at large.