A growing number of Ugandan youths are fleeing the country in search of safety and freedom, especially those belonging to the LGBTQ community with the country’s strict anti-LGBTQ laws and a deeply conservative society.
Because of this fear, many queer Ugandans say they can no longer live freely or safely in their own country.
For many, seeking asylum in Europe and America has become the only option.
Since the tragic killing of LGBTQ activist David Kato in 2011, fear has gripped the queer community. Leaked videos and public shaming have exposed many, forcing them to go into hiding—or run.
One such case is Sali William, whose video went viral in 2019. He disappeared soon after and was reportedly last seen hiding in Turkey.
Another is Brian Ssali Susan, a traditional lineage leader whose recent photos surfaced online showing him in Greece, far from the life he once knew in Uganda.
The recently signed anti-LGBTQ law by President Museveni has only deepened the crisis. The law includes harsh penalties, including life imprisonment and even death in extreme cases, leaving many in fear of persecution, arrest, or worse.
With no safe space left to express their identity, more queer Ugandans are expected to continue seeking refuge across borders—where they hope to find peace, protection, and a chance to live without hiding.