Three activists who were arrested last week after evading security to protest the lack of efforts toward gays at an HIV/AIDS conference at Imperial Royale Hotel in Uganda, have been charged with criminal trespass:
“The prosecutor, Emmanuel Ojambo, said the three sneaked into hotel room number 10 with intention to annoy and insult over 2,000 delegates conducting attending an HIV/AIDS conference at the hotel. The pro-gay activists carried placards emblazoned with, ‘Gay Ugandans are also Ugandans', ‘Gay Ugandans also need HIV prevention and care', ‘Health is a fundamental human right, gay inclusive', ‘Since 1983 to 2008 zero shillings for HIV prevention for Gays'. Ojambo said the suspects disrupted the meeting yet they had not been invited to attend it. The suspects called upon the participants to consider the plight of the gays in matters pertaining to HIV/AIDS. Their colleagues, David Kisule, Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera and Brian Kezera stood surety for them. Kanyange released them on court bond and ordered them to report to Buganda Road Court on June 20 for the hearing of their case.”
Amnesty International has condemned the arrests and demanded their immediate release.
The criminal trespass charge carries a penalty of up to one year in prison.