A report on how Ugandan LGBT rights defenders celebrated Kuchu Memorial Day was posted by on 28 in ‘Erasing 76 Crimes’. Human rights defenders in Uganda have earmarked January 26 as Kuchu Memorial Day to remember and celebrate the life of David Kato and other LGBT human rights defenders killed because of their activism and sexuality.

Pastor Simon Anthony addresses the Kuchu Memorial Day service in Kampala. Kasha Nabagesera stands beside him. (UhspaUganda photo)

At a memorial church service on Sunday, 26 January in Kampala, human rights defenders paid tribute to David Kato (murdered that day in 2011, at his home).

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Kato was killed a few weeks after he helped to secure a court injunction against a Ugandan tabloid that had printed the names, photographs and addresses of gay Ugandans, including Kato, with the tagline “Hang them.” [see also: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2012/11/17/the-kuchu-chronicles-a-must-see/]

The  remembrance service was led by Pastor Simon Anthony, a senior pastor from The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries (TFAM) Uganda. The fellowship embraces all people with love, irrespective of their sexuality or any other considerations.

Kasha Nabagesera, one of the founding members of the Ugandan LGBT movement, spoke passionately about Kato’s work and the need to love one another, drawing from Kato’s inspiration and exemplary life. She said many LGBT persons are suffering in silence and need to work together and overcome the fears and challenges they face in life. [see also: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2013/02/08/uganda-anti-gay-bill-coming-up-again-mea-laureate-2011-kasha-speaks-out-and-faces-persecution/]

The organizers of the Kuchu Memorial Day hope to make it an annual event.

Ugandan LGBT activists celebrate David Kato on Kuchu Memorial Day