As 2016 wanes Friends Ugandan Safe Transport Fund shares stories from two of the people who are depending on us to help them escape from Uganda
This is “ViW” – his picture was altered by Friends Ugandan Safe Transport to protect his identity.
Am 25yrs young and I can say am a refugee in my own country.
Ever since I was outted as a gay man I haven’t had any kind of peace, living in hiding and constant fear of being lynched since most of my countrymen believe homosexuality is evil, a curse and dangerous.
In my country, due to primitiveness and imported homophobia it is not a safe place for an exposed gay man. Chances are high that you are likely to be killed by your own mother because of your sexuality. The only family one has here is a very gay person or a straight ally. There is nothing like people will mind their own business when it comes to homosexuality, people will mind you and the only way they want to deal with their own fears is by killing you.
We are left with no option but to flee Uganda to go and seek refuge in a less homophobic country.
Where we are hiding its not safe. Anytime anything can happen.
Am appealing to anybody who comes across this message to find it in his or her heart to help us flee Uganda.
Blessings
ViW
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This is “ChaL” – his picture was altered by Friends Ugandan Safe Transport to protect his identity.
The Kill Gay Law (Anti – Homosexuality Bill) here in Uganda was grounded by the Uganda Constitutional Court but it wasn’t grounded in the hearts and minds of many Ugandan Citizens.
Let me tell you something, there isn’t so much rule of law in Uganda after all. You will be surprised to learn that very few cases of abuse, death, attacks and hate against LGBTq make it to the media.
There is a lot of negative reporting when a case makes it to the press. Still be reminded that only cases from urban centers can get to any form of news reporting. It’s clear and a honest mark out that there is a lot of state sponsored homophobia in Uganda.
There is a lot of negative reporting when a case makes it to the press. Still be reminded that only cases from urban centers can get to any form of news reporting. It’s clear and a honest mark out that there is a lot of state sponsored homophobia in Uganda.
Not long ago it was known all over the University that am gay and am wanted by the police.
I just want to get out of here. Am broke and helpless I pray that this letter gets out there and somebody knows what’s happening so they can contribute so that I may flee Uganda.
I just need help.
ChaL
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Friends Ugandan Safe Transport Fund needs your help to fund the safe transport of ViW and ChaL and many other passengers in hiding out of Uganda.
Right now, the Ugandan conductors owe a debt of $10,472.00 to transporters for getting people out of Uganda in emergency situations. This debt must be repaid so they can continue their work.
One of our Meeting’s members is owed $4439.00 which was loaned in three separate situations when there were emergency situations. And our FUST project owes a debt to our Meeting of another $337.90.
They are all emergency situations – but some are far more urgent and dangerous than others and so debts have grown – but people’s lives have been saved!
As of tonight, New Year’s Eve – 12/31/2016, FUST has supported the Ugandan conductors to help 1,855 individuals escape from Uganda: 1,841 LGBTQ adults, six straight allies, and eight children.
We can’t do it without you.
Please make an end of year donation — or a new year donation as soon as possible, and share this with others.
You can donate online here:
Thank you,
Gabi Clayton
for Olympia Friends Meeting’s Friends Ugandan Safe Transport Fund