By Mukembo Wilfred
In a dramatic late-night operation, police raided several popular nightspots in Kololo, including Cask Lounge, H20, and Illusions, as part of a nationwide crackdown on LGBTQ-related activities. The raid resulted in the arrest of multiple partygoers, while several others managed to escape during the operation.
Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed the arrest of several individuals, including Manaishimwe Emable, Nyweza Fred, Namuyingo Faridah, Agaba Walter, Nakakeeto Agnes, Namutebi Joselyn, Hasifwa Zalwango, Ssebudde Marvin, Abdullah Bazzeketta, Mubiru Chris, Kawalya Rogers, and Mukisa Kent, all of whom are currently being screened. The police operation is linked to the ongoing enforcement of Uganda’s strict laws prohibiting homosexuality.
The authorities are also searching for individuals on their wanted list, including Geoffrey Matovu and Nabutindira Jane, who are suspected of funding and promoting LGBTQ activities in the country. Lydia Nannyombi, another individual on the run, is believed to have escaped from police authorities in Buloba after being apprehended with her partner, Nabutanda Halimah, who remains in the security hands.
Reliable sources revealed that those arrested said that their main funder is Lydia Nannyombi who is on the run and most wanted person by police under file number Buloba Police Station SD Ref: 75/15/02/2023
The raids are part of an intensifying government effort to enforce Uganda’s Penal Code Act, which criminalizes same-sex relations under Section 145, as well as the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023, which President Museveni signed into law earlier in 2023. This law imposes life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of engaging in consensual same-sex relations.
Eyewitnesses reported that police officers stormed the nightclubs in the early hours, disrupting the festivities and arresting individuals suspected of participating in what authorities deemed illegal activities under Uganda’s homophobic laws.
The raid has sparked significant controversy both domestically and internationally, with many human rights organizations decrying Uganda’s stance on LGBTQ rights. Critics argue that the country’s laws are discriminatory and violate fundamental human rights, particularly the rights to freedom of association and expression.
Authorities are urging the public to provide any information that could assist in locating those still on the run. The police have promised to continue their investigations and are warning individuals involved in LGBTQ-related activities to comply with the country’s laws.
