African LGBTI Out & Proud Diamond Group were joined by RMT union activists and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell at a demonstration outside the Uganda High Commission in London on 18 November, protesting two anti-gay "show trials" in Uganda and demanding the release of Samuel Ganafa, Bernard Randall and Albert Cheptoyek.
Samuel K Ganafa, the Executive Director of Spectrum Uganda and the Chair of Sexual Minorities Uganda, appeared in court on Monday 18 November on charges of "sodomy", under section 145 of the Ugandan penal code. Three other LGBT rights advocates also face charges, including retired British expatriate Bernard Randall, and his Ugandan partner Albert Cheptoyek.
They have been charged after Bernard's laptop was stolen and his personal videos were leaked to the media. There are fears that both men could face more serious "sodomy" charges, which carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Paul Penny, RMT London Transport LGBT Officer, said: “These charges and court cases are part of a worrying spate of state-sponsored harassment of LGBT people and activists in Uganda in recent weeks. President Museveni must bring an end to the persecution of LGBT Ugandans and uphold Uganda’s own constitution and the African Charter on Human Rights”.
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