South Africa : Ugandan LGBTQ+ Activist Frank Fabian Kalungi Leads the Fight for Equality

Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, one of the most draconian anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the world, has created an alarming environment for human rights violations. Passed in May 2023, the law imposes life imprisonment for “homosexual acts” and even the death penalty for cases deemed “aggravated homosexuality.” This law has not only threatened the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals but has also fueled a wave of repression, with many Ugandans fleeing the country in fear.

According to human rights organizations, there has been a significant increase in reports of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and violence against LGBTQ+ people. A 2024 report by Human Rights Watch estimates that over 2,000 people have been arrested since the law’s enactment, with hundreds fleeing to neighboring countries, Europe, and North America to seek asylum. This grim reality highlights the intensifying assault on personal freedoms and the violation of international human rights norms.

Amidst this harsh climate, one courageous figure stands out: Frank Fabian Kalungi, a fearless LGBTQ+ activist, who has become a leading voice for the community’s rights in Uganda. Kalungi, who was imprisoned under the country’s anti-LGBTQ+ laws, has remained undeterred in his quest for equality. He continues to lead a prominent organization in Uganda, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health care, areas in which LGBTQ+ individuals suffer tremendous neglect and abuse.

Kalungi’s activism extends beyond Uganda’s borders. As a keynote speaker at Wits University Pride in South Africa, he delivered a powerful message, rallying activists across Africa to unite in resistance against the growing repression of LGBTQ+ people. His speech condemned the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ laws sweeping across the continent, and he emphasized the urgent need to defend human rights at universities, where students are often dismissed or persecuted based on their sexuality or activism.

“We must fight tooth and nail,” Kalungi declared, “until queer rights are fully liberated in Africa.” His impassioned call for solidarity resonated strongly with the audience, as he stressed that activists must continue to challenge both the legal and societal structures that suppress LGBTQ+ people.

Uganda’s anti-LGBTQ+ law is part of a broader pattern of human rights violations that have escalated in recent years. A report by Amnesty International documented a 35% rise in cases of unlawful detention, torture, and state-sponsored violence in Uganda between 2022 and 2023. The Uganda Human Rights Commission also reported that in 2023 alone, over 1,500 complaints were lodged concerning human rights abuses, with LGBTQ+ individuals disproportionately affected.

This systematic oppression has led many Ugandans to seek refuge abroad. In 2024, it is estimated that at least 500 LGBTQ+ individuals applied for asylum in Canada, with many more seeking safety in Europe and neighboring African countries such as Kenya. Human rights organizations continue to pressure the Ugandan government to repeal the Anti-Homosexuality Act, yet the authorities remain steadfast, dismissing international criticism as foreign interference.

Kalungi’s fight for equality is emblematic of the courage and resilience of Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community. Despite the challenges, activists like him are refusing to back down, continuing to push for justice and basic human rights. His work not only inspires fellow Ugandans but also galvanizes the broader African LGBTQ+ movement in their ongoing struggle for freedom and dignity.