19 May 2022 — Attack on Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG)’s Headquarters and Arrest of SMUG Staff, Uganda
Following an attack and malicious destruction of the property of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG)‘s offices in Uganda on 19 May 2022, two staff members (referred to as DSB and HN for safety reasons) from SMUG reported the incident at the Ntinda Police Station in Kampala. Instead of receiving protection, they were accused of assault by the perpetrator of the destruction of SMUG’s offices, Elisha Mukisa, and the two were unjustly arrested and coerced into making incriminating statements. Mukisa is a self-proclaimed “ex-gay” crusader and product of anti-rights, anti-gender and anti-LGBTQ+ groups in Uganda.
The arrest of SMUG’s two staff members was followed by the public halting of the operations of SMUG by the NGO Bureau on 3 August 2022.
The case (Criminal Case Number 2518 of 2022) was finally won 3 years later, on 20 March 2025. One of the accused, DSB, said after the verdict acquitting them and their colleague:
“I’m so relieved and grateful to God almighty that the truth has finally come to light. This acquittal is a testament and a reminder that justice can prevail, even in the face of adversity.”
In a press release, an advocate in the case, Douglas Mawadri, said
“This case dragged on with baseless prosecution, multiple adjournments, and no real trial. Police must end arrests based on suspicion and hearsay. I hope those vindicated find healing from this ordeal.”
Dr Frank Mugisha, Co-Executive Director of SMUG, said the following:
“This case is a clear example of how Uganda’s hostile legal and political environment is weaponized against LGBTQ+ individuals. The fingerprints of anti-rights and anti-LGBTQ+ groups are all over this injustice where
victims seeking protection are instead criminalized. Let this victory be a symbol of our resistance, resilience, and hope.”
Fridah Mutesi, an advocate from Ubuntu Law and Justice Centre, said
“Litigating against hate and acceptance of SOGIESC issues will take longer, but we will win eventually. After representing our clients in court over thirty times, today the court agreed with our submissions, ruling that our clients had no case to answer, thereby acquitting them from criminal prosecution.”
The press release ended with SMUG saying
“While we acknowledge this legal victory, we remain concerned about the broader climate of persecution and criminalization facing LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations in Uganda. This case serves as a stark reminder that advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda remains a high-risk endeavor. The continued targeting of our community through misinformation, fabricated charges, arbitrary arrests, and legal harassment is an attempt to silence us.”
Attacks on SMUG and its staff did not begin in 2022, though, as SMUG founder, Victor Mukasa’s house was raided in 2005 and the friend staying at his house was arrested. Victor sued the Ugandan government and won the case in December 2008.
