My name is Sandra Ntebi and I am a Ugandan citizen from the capital city Kampala. I work at the school of Law Makerere University as a part time researcher and full time LGBT activist as well as human rights defender. I have been part of this movement in Uganda for as long as its birth and I am among the few who are still strong enough to fight for our rights despite the environment and the society in which we are living.
In Uganda it is illegal to stand for gay rights. It is a taboo subject and said to be unnatural. Though I have both parents, neither of them supports me directly. I have been independent since I left university, struggling with jobs here and there because of my sexuality and being out and loud. I have engaged in different relationships but most people think that I am too into LGBT activism and fear that they might also be outed.
Despite the laws, I still cannot say that Uganda is the worst place to be gay. However, security starts with you. I have no permanent place of residence for fear of being attacked. Even still, moving from one place to another is also taboo and causes insecurity. I must therefore live an expensive life, as I continuously move from one place to another. Furthermore, I cannot use public means of transport for fear of being attacked.
On 25 October, as I was preparing for my trip to Dublin there was an attack by a mob. Luckily, I escaped, though my car was damaged. I cannot say a lot about this now, but I will share more when given the chance while in Dublin.
In Uganda it is illegal to stand for gay rights. It is a taboo subject and said to be unnatural. Though I have both parents, neither of them supports me directly. I have been independent since I left university, struggling with jobs here and there because of my sexuality and being out and loud.
