IPPF is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of David Kato’s murder. David campaigned tirelessly on Human Rights and specifically the rights of Sexual Minorities in Uganda. David worked closely with IPPF on a number of occasions over the last two years, and we greatly valued his contributions. He spoke about the law and human rights at the Vienna International AIDS Conference. Just a few months ago, David, representing Africa, provided an important perspective at a meeting of the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development about HIV care and support. He made sure that due attention was given to this issue for all people, including those from sexual minority groups.
Speaking about what the death of David means in the struggle for equality, Frank Mugisha, the Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda said, “No form of intimidation will stop our cause. The death of David will only be honoured when the struggle for justice and equality is won. David is gone and many of us will follow, but the struggle will be won. David wanted to see a Uganda where all people will be treated equally despite their sexual orientation.”
David’s death will not be in vain, but rather a call to action for us all to deepen our commitment to human rights for all, in every country of the world. We must remember—and listen to—the wise leadership of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, speaking out against homophobias as a ‘step backwards’ for human rights in Africa:
“Hate has no place in the house of God. No one should be excluded from our love, our compassion or our concern because of race or gender, faith or ethnicity--or because of their sexual orientation… These are terrible backward steps for human rights in Africa. Our lesbian and gay brothers and sisters across Africa are living in fear… Exclusion is never the way forward on our shared paths to freedom and justice.”
Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends and colleagues at SMUG (Sexual Minorities Uganda). We have lost a friend, a colleague, a committed human rights activist and a generous and compassionate human being.
Read Sexual Minorities Uganda's full statement and the BBC's coverage of the story.