victor mukasa joins iglhrc

By Abeli Zahabu (BTM Reporter)

November 8, 2007: Prominent Ugandan activist Victor Mukasa was appointed recently by International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC).

Mukasa has been employed as Researcher and Policy Associate for the Horn, East and Central Africa.

Co-founder and president emeritus of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), Mukasa is also founding member of several Ugandan rights groups including East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRDN) (2005), Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG) (2002), and the Pan African Group African Solidarity (2006).

"Victor is one of the most respected human rights activists in Africa," said Cary Alan Johnson, IGLHRC Senior Specialist for Africa, "and will greatly increase our capacity to respond to human rights violations in the Horn, East and Central Africa. Her experience, commitment, and courage are unique."

The transgender lesbian, Mukasa, was forced to flee Uganda after police illegally raided her home in 2005 and confiscated documents related to human rights and LGBTI organising.

Mukasa recently returned to Uganda, and along with a Kenyan activist, sued the Ugandan government for the raid. The judicial decision in that case is currently pending.

Asked what she feels about her appointment and what she plans to bring into the organisation, Mukasa said; “I feel excited about this new appointment. It is a new challenge to fulfil what is expected from me in this region, and according to me challenge is the requirement for change”.

“I plan to bring new and fresh energy to the organisation. Energy which is informed by grass roots activism where I have been working for years. I am aware and I have got good knowledge of issues affecting my region.”

She continued that; “I intend therefore to serve my organisation the best way I can.”

Mukasa will be based in IGLHRC's Africa regional office based in Johannesburg, South Africa.