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Uganda: Front Line demands action on murder of LGBTI human rights defender David Kato

David Kato speaking at the Front Line Dubln Platform in February 2010

Front Line is deeply saddened by the news of the killing of David Kato. David was a very active human rights defender with Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), working for the respect of the dignity and rights of LGBTI people. He was murdered in his home on 26 January, when a man entered his home and brutally beat him before fleeing in a car. David died on his way to Kawolo hospital. His murder is a tragic loss for the human rights community in Uganda.

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David spent his entire life as a human rights defender under constant threat. Most recently, he was amongst the three activists who brought a case against an Ugandan newspaper that had published photos, names and addresses of LGBTI people and activists with the headline “Hang them!”. He started receiving death threats again since the publication.

David was a friend of Front line and participated in our Dublin Platform in February 2010. He gave a powerful and moving testimony about the challenges and risks of his work in Uganda.

"Front Line is outraged at this latest attack on LGBTI human rights defenders in Uganda and calls on the Government of Uganda to take immediate and urgent steps to protect the human rights of members of the gay community who are doubly discriminated against - because of who they are as well as because of what they do" said Mary Lawlor, Director of Front Line, in Dublin today.

"Speaking at the Dublin Platform for Human Rights Defenders in February 2010 David Kato spoke of the dangers faced by LGBTI human rights defenders on a daily basis. He also spoke of the need to stand up and be counted. Sadly he has paid for that courage with his life" she added.