Leading Ugandan LGBTQ activists including Frank Mugisha and Pepe Julian Onziema were arrested last night during the Mr. and Miss Pride Uganda 2016 at Venom Club in Kabalaggala, an event taking place during Pride week. Organizers had permission for the event, according to ABC Australia:
One young man jumped from the fourth floor of the building in fear and was hospitalised, according to the Kuchu Times, an African news platform focusing on LGBTIQ issues.
Many Twitter users alleged police even beat some of the guests at the event and confiscated people’s phones to delete photos.
Senior researcher in the Africa division of Human Rights Watch Maria Burnett also said some of those detained were beaten and “police [were] clearly violating rights”.
Ugandan human rights lawyer Adrian Jjuuko said this was the fourth time in three years that Ugandan police had stopped LGBTIQ events.
RELATED: New Report Documents 264 Heartbreaking and Powerful Cases of Human Rights Abuses Against LGBT Ugandans
Sumy Sadumi, a Spanish, international freelance journalist in East Africa tweeted some photos from the incident.
Gay pride Uganda stopped by police. People are freaking out, cattled indoors. #gay pride @prideuganda #lgbt pic.twitter.com/QlY8PPPGQp
— Sumy Sadurni (@Sumy_sadurni) August 4, 2016
Sad abrupt ending to what was a beautiful night. People removing outfits out of fear. #gaypride #uganda #lgbt pic.twitter.com/Kz6TYmLI1Q
— Sumy Sadurni (@Sumy_sadurni) August 4, 2016
Gay pride Uganda celebrations still on despite the tense scuffle last [email protected] #lgbt #gaypride pic.twitter.com/BI3foLgMcP
— Sumy Sadurni (@Sumy_sadurni) August 5, 2016
As did activist Richard Lusimbo:
We re now in hospital, with one participant who fell off the building when police raided @Prideuganda2016 event. @frankmugisha @Opimva
— Richard Lusimbo 🏳️🌈 (@richardlusimbo) August 5, 2016
LGBTQ rights group condemned the incident:
Statement: We condemn @PoliceUg raid on #UgPride16 celebrations. We demand justice #StopPoliceBrutality pic.twitter.com/602X67isP2
— Asia Russell (@asia_ilse) August 5, 2016
After a few hours of detention,I have been set free,every one is safe. Thankyou all my friends for the support & solidarity @Prideuganda2016
— Dr. Frank Mugisha (@frankmugisha) August 4, 2016
Watch a report from Deutsche Welle:
