Kikonyogo Kivumbi is an advocate journalist in Uganda. He writes for 76 Crimes reporting on the issues and the hardships faced by the LGBT community living in Uganda.
Additionally, Kivumbi leads the Uganda Health and Science Press Association that promotes the health rights of the LGBT community and minority groups. The organisation consists of journalists, lawyers, scientists and academics who aim to put an end to homophobia in Uganda.
Kivumbi spoke to me about the need for advocacy journalism to give a voice to the voiceless, the work of the Uganda Health and Science Press Association and why the UK should not be perceived as a safe place for asylum:
Being an LGBT person in Uganda:
“It is very hard to be an LGBT person in Uganda. Very hard. There is consistent and sustained societal and institutionalised stigma, ridicule and violence for one’s actual or assumed being as a member of the community.
“The very basic needs for humanity, like justice, food, fairness, economic, social and cultural rights seem a privilege just because one identifies as LGBT. “
The work of the Uganda Health and Science Press Association:
“Over the last ten years, the Uganda Health and Science Press Association that I lead has taken incredible risks to personal life and institution safety. We boldly and openly speak out, question the status quo and disrupt institutional constructs that hold back LGBT persons from achieving their potential based on merit, not because of their actual or assumed gender identity or sexual orientation.
“We focus on the right to health. To us, health is inalienable. It simply cannot wait for a societal or institutional dialogue on whether LGBT persons are human beings worthy of dignity and respect.”
The importance of advocacy journalism:
“Fifteen years ago, there was a total denial of our [LGBT] community, claiming that it is un-African and imposed by the West. The positive thing is that there is a lot of organising among activists despite the odds to push back.
“In the last 10 years, the LGBT movement has achieved more significance and public visibility but more still needs to be done.
“There is a lot of work to be done to win the hearts and minds of people. This is because as much as the state may grant rights within the framework of constitutional law, social prejudices need to be tackled. This is where advocacy journalism comes in; to tell our own stories from our own perspectives and to contribute to the “normal narrative” that influences public policy and law.
“The problem with mainstream media is that it is homophobic. It is abnormal for them to portray LGBT persons in a positive light."
The perception of the UK as a safe haven:
“I personally do not believe that the UK or the West is a safe haven for LGBT persons. It is a mental colonial construct perception. It is rather a reflection of the current global systems failing to include LGBT people in the monetary global economy.
“It is more of us looking at ourselves as victims. Yes, there is hardship but studies have suggested that the unacceptable economic disempowerment of queer people is a far bigger problem. This does not seem to be talked about in the West. The global monetary system is not talking enough about how to empower people globally - it is not just an African problem.
“I believe what needs to be done is advocacy to strengthen local, international, societal and institutional mechanisms. The LGBT community needs to be empowered with skills to learn a living, rather than depending on non-existent grants. If an LGBT person has skills, they should be able to not seek asylum.
“However, the UK has stood with us and have helped many LGBT persons settle and work within the UK.”
Reporting on sensitive stories in repressive regimes:
“It is very, very difficult to report on these stories but some of us have accepted the risk. The problem we face is that no funder is interested in supporting our work to bring up these voices. It is all voluntary and we are currently working at 5% capacity.
“Misinformation, fear and prejudices are enshrined in ignorance and lack of information. If African societies can hear our stories, it will be a different story. The West also has to see that asylum must be the very last option.”
A video produced by the Uganda Health and Science Press Association detailing the living realities of accessing health care in Uganda as an LGBT person.