FARUG STATEMENT ON IDAHOT 2013

On this day 17th May 2013, Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), joins the international community to commemorate the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).
IDAHOT was created to draw attention to harmful homophobia and Transphobia and promote a world of tolerance, respect awareness and freedom, regardless of one’s sexual orientation and gender identity.
In the past, FARUG has always gathered members, lit candles and celebrated the lives of those who have been prosecuted and killed while selflessly fighting for the rights of sexual minorities the world over. Today, however, no special events have been planned but we shall join the rest of LGBTI organizations in Uganda and celebrate at a later date which will be communicated.
The respect of sexual rights is a part guaranteeing human rights for all. There have been allegations and claims of recruitment and promotion of homosexuality which has formed a backdrop on which religious fundamentalists have built their case against homosexuality in Uganda.
Homosexuality is deemed alien in our culture. Fundamentalists both from Uganda and the United States seek to introduce draconian provisions reinforcing Uganda’s already existing prohibitions on consensual same sex relations as stipulated in the penal code section 145 and the constitution, thus The Anti Homosexuality Bill (AHB) which they claim will protect families, children culture and religious purity. The Bill is harsh and even calls for the death penalty for crime of aggravated homosexuality.
Any attempt to denounce the Bill either by gay/human rights activists in Uganda or from the western world has been met with severe backlash with religious fundamentalists and politicians baying for ‘gay blood.’ Homosexuality is completely different from sexual abuse by perverted and mentally deranged men who sexually molest young boys and girls. It shouldn’t be equated to pedophilia, bestiality or robbery.
Uganda ratified many human rights treaties including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. At the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) 2012, the government of Uganda committed to investigate hate crimes towards people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity…we demand that they do so. Many of our members have been rapped, harassed, beaten and imprisoned because of who they love or how they are dressed and such crimes go unpunished.
We condemn the repeated violence, brutality and discrimination. The struggle towards a society in which the freedom rights and equality of LGBTI persons are guaranteed and there is no discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, still continues.
###
“It is our duty to fight for our FREEDOM.
It is our duty to WIN,
We must LOVE each other and SUPPORT one another,
We have nothing to lose but our CHAINS” SHAKUR ASSATA

Contact: Kasha Jacqueline +256772463161
For more information follow links below:

http://www.refworld.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/rwmain?docid=4eb8f32e2

http://www.ugandans4rights.org/index.php/publications/157-we-urge-all-ugandans-to-respect-and-uphold-human-rights-for-all-ugandans-a-press-statement-issued-on-the-world-human-rights-day-2012.html

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_Against_Homophobia

Freedom And Roam Uganda Elects New Board Of Directors

Freedom And Roam Uganda Elects New Board Of Directors

For Immediate Release

14^th-May-2013

Kampala: Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG), a 10year old, women’s rights organization dedicated to the strive of rights of Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LBTI) persons in Uganda, elected the second, five member board of directors to a three year tenure, by 29 members of the organization in an Extra Ordinary General Meeting.

“FARUG is very fortunate to get yet another group of board members. Iam delighted by the skills, knowledge, diversity and accomplishments of this group. They will add immeasurably to the success of this organization and execute great deliberations. Said Junic Wambya, the In-coming Executive Director of FARUG. My thanks go out to the outgoing board that iam very proud to have been a part of, for their diligence and commitment in serving FARUG, to the members and staff for the work done that led to election of a new board.We are very excited and contented that this new board will make a huge contribution to FARUG.”

Early this year, members met for the Annual General Meeting and Leadership Institute, in which recommendations were made and amendments made to the constitution to include the election process of board of directors. In this extraordinary meeting five members were elected to the board with one ex officio; the incoming ED of FARUG.

Nomination forms were prior mailed out to members and board members were elected by secret ballot. There was no proxy voting. The board was inducted and bestowed the legal duties and responsibilities as per the constitution, on behalf of the members to ensure transparency, accountability and uphold the values of FARUG.

The board of directors are:-

1)    Diane Bakuraira                      Chairperson

2)    Aireen katongole                      Vice Chairperson

3)    Maggie Isiko                            Treasure

4)    Melissa Kiguwa                       Board Member

5)    Ilakut Mac                              Board Member

6)    Junic Wambya                        Ex officio

They made a commitment to serve the organization diligently.

                                                                ###

 

Remembering Noxolo: we demand justice for slain LGBTI persons

PRESS RELEASE

24TH-04-2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KAMPALA: Remembering Noxolo: We demand justice for slain LGBTI persons
Exactly two years ago, on 24th-04-2011, Noxolo Nogwasa, a South African lesbian and LGBTI activist was brutally raped, stabbed and beaten to death and her body dumped in a drainage ditch as she went home from a party, in the Kwathane townships, in the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Noxolo was a mother of two and a soccer player.
“My condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of Noxolo. May God keep you strong through this trying time. We are perturbed that even when the constitution of S.Africa is accommodating of sexual minorities that such crime still go unpunished. I was once bullied when I was playing soccer for Cape Town Pirates, because of my sexuality. It is sad indeed” said Doreen, the Sports Coordinator of FARUG.
Two years later, the murders have since not been arrested and no progress has been made towards a comprehensive investigation into the murder and the perpetrators,; alleged to be eight of them still remain at large.
Freedom and Roam Uganda demands that the government of South Africa and the concerned parties immediately embark on an investigation into, not only Noxolo’s murder but for ALL those who have been killed and abused, physical, sexually or otherwise on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The constitution of S.Africa outlaws discrimination against gays and lesbians.
We recommend that there be Stop Hate Campaigns funded by government to educate the public on the dangers of hate crimes directed towards sexual minorities and on basic rights of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity.
We send the family of Noxolo and the entire LGBTI community in S.Africa strength and stand in solidarity with you.
Aluta continua: The struggle continues
###
For more information follow links below:

http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/?s=Noxolo+Nogwaza&submit=Search

http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/04/22/and-still-no-justice-for-lesbian-noxolo-nogwaza-let-the-world-remember-with-a-call-for-action/

Social Friday program 5th/04/2013

It’s that time of the month once again when we meet as members at office for social Friday. Social Friday offers safe space where we come and relax; unwind after stressful weeks of working. It forges solidarity, sisterhood, entertainment and at the same time educating members. This Friday we shall engage in the following activities.
Topics
We shall hold a meeting at 2:00pm to discuss the progress of the economic empowerment, where members will share the achievements and challenges faced during the implementation of their projects, make recommendations and forge a way forward.
Expectations
FARUG has grown in numbers since our last Annual General Meeting and leadership institute and several other members joined FARUG right before the leadership institute. It was an intense workshop and therefore we want to take time off tomorrow and review member’s expectations of the organization and what they plan to do for their beloved organization.
Movies
As usual, movies will be screening in the resource center the entire time.
1) “Screaming Queens” 4:00pm
Is a tale of a little known story of the first acts of collective violent resistance to queer people in the United States. Three years before the famous Stonewall Inn raid.
2) “From Criminality to Equality” 5:00pm
40years of Lesbian and gay movement history in Canada from 1969 to 2009; a complete collection of “stand together”, “The queer nineties”, “politics of the heart” and “The end of second class”.
3) “And then came Lola” 8:00pm
We shall wind up with a fun lesbian movie. Lola photograopher races to get a crucial meeting on time. Her job and girlfriend; casey are on the line. Cassey in the meantime is falling into the arms of her ex. Higly entertaining. A must watch.
Refreshments
Drinks will be provided. However members are requested to be kind as to come along with drinks since we are operating on a tight budget and all we can afford for now is a beer each, a streaming pot of Malwa and sodas.two members have volunteered to coordinate the session and also moderate topics.
Closure
Unlike the past social Fridays which would go on until late, this Friday meeting will end at 9:30 strictly.
We are looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.
Be well.

http://faruganda.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/farugs-social-friday-once-a-month-members-only/

FARUG’S SOCIAL FRIDAY: ONCE A MONTH; MEMBERS ONLY.

Dear Members, Friends and Colleagues,At the FARUG’S Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was held in January this year, one of the issues of contention was SOCIAL FRIDAY.

In the past, every Social Friday, it was a space where members gathered at office to discuss matters concerning the organization and the community at large. Topics ranged from health, The Anti Homosexuality Bill, general well being, sex and relationships and the women struggle, among others.

At Social Friday, movies were screened in the resource center, registered members borrowed and read books and had a drink. Social Friday was famous for Malwa, a local brew. Social Friday attracted members and people from the entire LGBTI community.

During deliberations at the AGM, members expressed worries of security threats that social Friday presented, since all people were allowed to come in and out as they pleased. They also expressed the fact that since there were people from other organizations and the community at large, they couldn’t freely express themselves or freely discuss internal organization issues/ problems.

Some members also noted that Social Friday, happening every other week was expensive since they had to have enough money to transport them to and from their homes. They thus suggested that Social Friday be moved to every last Friday of the month.

All these suggestions were left for secretariat to decide and after a meeting: this is what was decided upon concerning social Friday:

1. That social Friday be held every last Friday of the month, from 2:00pm to 8:30pm. Drinks will be provided for everyone present (including Malwa) and as usual movies will be screening in the resource center. Members are allowed to borrow these (movies) from the office Admnistrator.
2. That social Friday be limited strictly to members only unless on special invitation. There will be times when topics of discussion require expert opinions and that is when some people of the community will be invited for their input.
3. The subsequent three Fridays of the month, members are allowed to come to office from 2:00pm to 7:00pm to borrow books, movies and have minor discussions. There is internet in office and a computer will be availed to those who want to use it.

Communications will be going out every Wednesday via mail and every Thursday on phone and on social media for members to confirm attendance. Members are encouraged to come in big numbers when ever called upon and volunteer to organize social Fridays to make them a success. Enlisting the help of members gives them ownership and responsibility of activities of the organization.

There is a security guard at the gate and security will be guaranteed.

We are grateful to the entire community members who always came to join us every Friday and their contribution is highly appreciated. We regret that due to some un avoidable circumstances, we can no longer be with them.

Kind regards and be well.

Uganda Urged to End Violence Against Women Based On Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Today marks the International Women’s day. The theme for this year’s international women’s day is “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.” The struggle for women’s emancipation and economic social political achievements has grown in leaps and bounds in the past years but the statistics regarding violence against women are still worrying.
• Up to 50% of sexual assault are committed against girls under the age of 16
• 603 million women live in countries where domestic violence is not yet considered a crime
• Over 70% of women in the world report having experienced physical and sexual violence at some point in their life time.
• Over 60 million girls world wide are child brides

But not only heterosexual women exist and face abuse. Queer women, Bisexual women, Lesbian and Trans Women exist too. Many transwomen have been beaten up in bars. Many have been paraded on national television and charged with impersonation and being idle and disorderly.
The struggle for the equality for women, all women… will only be achieved with a collective effort of all men and women and with no discrimination of whose rights to protect or not to protect.
At Freedom and Roam Uganda, as we celebrate acts of courage and determination of all women around the world we:
Urge women’s organizations, the government and the justice system to ensure that survivors of Violence Against Women based on sexual orientation get medical help and that the perpetrators are punished accordingly.
We urge the civil society to engage Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex persons in Strategic planning for interventions streamlined for intimate partner violence in same sex relation, couple counseling, and health care post exposure prophylaxis upon rape among other.
We call upon government to craft domestic violence legislations that take into account sexual minorities.
Uganda is party to and ratified the Universal Declaration human Rights it is her obligation to protect orientation or gender identity. It is her obligation
###

why I’ll be at IWD on the 8th March

 
In celebration of Women by Ife Piankhi
Before being asked to write this piece I didn’t know much about the history of International Women’s Day. Its origins in Europe in the 1900’s and later the United Nations use of the day (8th March) to highlight the challenges faced by women globally. It’s a day I have been compelled to be involved in for many years. I grew up surrounded by women. Growing up it seemed that the boys had more freedom and privilege, to express themselves and explore their individuality. I remember once my brother left the house without asking my mum’s permission, I was in shock as I always had to ask. 
In my youth I began to recognize the differences in treatment he and I would receive and the prescribed behavior my mother taught me would make me a ‘good wife’. In my own way I pushed against these prescribed boundaries – I was a tomboy preferring to wear trousers and climb trees, ride a bike and play sports. I preferred fixing plugs to playing with dolls. I am interested in exploring the taboos around menstruation, sexuality, pregnancy and childbirth. I seek to understand the social dynamic reading books on feminism and politics by bell hooks, Audre lourde and Wangari Mathai, I continue to learn, read and develop my personal approach to womanhood.
Later I created a program for girls called Leaders of the Future, attempting to encapsulate my experiences of being a woman. Questions I would ask myself are; what makes me different to a man beyond the physiological, how do I think? What are our unique tendencies? How can I use my unique abilities to be a better leader to create a better world? But I am still challenged with the notion that if I do things that men traditionally do that I am trying to be a man. I don’t want to be a man, I love being a woman. 
Self love is the beginning of women coming into their power. What I understand is that power will not be given to women, it’s something we have to claim for ourselves not in an unbalanced way but through the over standing of who we are and the gifts we have. There is a wisdom that we have forgotten that I seek to explore. The remembrance of great women of history written about in books like Black Women in Antiquity by Ivan Van Sertima, the Goddess Black woman by Akil and What they never told you in history class by Indus Khamit Kush . The first steps I believe are for women to understand who we are. We are the ones who have to stop seeing ourselves as being less than men, we are the ones who have to teach our sons and daughters how to relate to each other. In my most controversial mind state I challenge theology when it says that man was created first. It would seem to me that creation has a feminine tendency. Women have heavier brains and more refined synaptic pathways created through their strong ability to communicate. We are strong and flexible being able to hold and nurture a child thus our ability to cope with change and adapt happens faster. We have the ability to intuit and know things about people which goes beyond the physical left brain preoccupation of logic. We feel things and are deeply compassionate which rather than being perceived as a weakness should be seen as a strength. I love women but I also love men. We need to relearn how to relate with each other, to conquer our conditioned responses to power based on patriarchy. Striving for ‘power with, not power over others’. 
Men also have to stop feeling insecure with the dynamism of women and women have to learn how to talk with men, who by nature don’t like to be told what to do. One of my teachers Dr Laila Africa taught me that men and women communicate differently and this is why we are complimentary pairs. I strongly believe that a true African renaissance will happen with the liberation of the woman’s mind. As Malcolm X said ‘when you educate a man you educate an individual, when you educate a woman you educate a nation’.

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/c0.0.403.403/p403x403/164405_10151276562561417_981318136_n.jpg” width=”403″ height=”403″ />

SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENTS

The use of social media is an important aspect in communications especially in the hostile environment in which we organize. It is hard to break into mainstream media and we have to depend a lot on social media to inform.

Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG) seeks to engage you all in participation and discussions in our various social media platforms in the following ways:

                                                  Facebook

There will be topics of discussions on our facebook page: Friends of Freedom and Roam Uganda from Monday to Sunday.

Monday: It is a day when everyone is seeking to better themselves financially be it through job searching or business. It’s on this day that topics will be based on professionalism and business. You can post a job advertisement, how to prepare for interviews, business plans etc.

Tuesday: FARUG as well as the entire Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community has many trials and tribulations and it’s a high time that we started telling our own stories. Be it hate crimes, discrimination or the Anti Homosexuality Bill (AHB). Email us topics or stories so that we can share them.

Wednesday:  FARUG is an LBTI organization at the same time a feminist organization. Do you have related pictures and stories or videos; you can post these on Wednesday or just email us.

Thursday: FARUG has social gatherings every Friday where members meet to discuss a wide range of topics. We have put Saturday aside to discuss a wide range of topics from which we shall select one outstanding one that will top the social Friday topics.

Friday: Its Fridays that is dedicated to a topic that stood out on Thursday. We however have a twist in the discussions. They will be posted solely by the Administrator, just as they are being discussed during social Friday. We shall post people’s comments and questions and live tweet as it goes on.

Saturday: This day is dedicated to well being and general social life. Be it Fashion, sex, relationships and what is happening on the social scene in the LGBTI community, nationally and internationally.

Sunday: Sundays are dedicated to faith and religion. Do you have a religious quote, a word of inspiration, or you just want to share what your pastor preached about? Email us. Moslems, orthodox, African Traditional Religion and any God that you believe in, please don’t feel left out.

                                                               Twitter

 

There will be daily tweets on different topics everyday. Find us on @Far_Uganda, #tag us your tweets and please be a part of our tweet ups and live discussions when they have been announced.

                                              YouTube

 

We have a YouTube channel @Faruganda. There are a couple of video clips currently and we intend to upload clips of our organizational activities. Feel free to share with us your videos so that we can share on our social media platforms.

                                                Blog

Our Blog; Freedom and Roam Uganda, is dedicated to communicating organizational and community events. We also re blog posts that are in our line of work. You can emails us articles poems and we shall blog about it while giving you full acknowledgment.

 

You can emails us at Christine@faruganda.org with topics on any of the above, suggestions on how to make this service better for you and comments and participate in the interactive topics as shared. For those who may not want their identity to go public, it will be protected.

We are looking forward to working with and serving you all.

Be well.

 

Two years later: Sexual minorities in Uganda celebrate the life of David.

Exactly two years since the murder of David Kato Kisule, members of the gay community in Uganda, his family and well wishers gathered at St. Paul’s Reconciliation center (SPREC) to honor his memory in a service which was officiated by the Chaplain of SPREC. It was an air of melancholy and pain, but also a lot of pride and inspiration, as one by one the congregation remembered in a special way the life and work of David.
The late David was killed in his home in Mukono, the outskirts of Kampala. David was the Advocacy and Litigation Officer of sexual Minorities Uganda by the time of his murder. A newspaper, The Rolling Stone; published names and pictures of allegedly gay people in Uganda, with a headline calling for them to be hanged. It was after this articles was released that many gay Ugandans were harassed and David killed.
Sexual minorities Uganda (SMUG) in partnership with International Planned Parent Hood every year recognize the work of an activist with the David Kato Vision and Voice award, the first being won by Maurice Tomlinson and the one this year was went to Ali Erol, a Turkish national and the award was handed over to him by the late David’s mother in the south African parliament.
The service went well without any interruption from the police whatsoever. Below is what members people said in memory of David.
“David had a dream that the LGBTI community in Uganda will one day be free.” Robert, born this way Uganda.
“There was a lot said as to how and why David was killed. But the issue is not why David was killed. No one has aright to take away any one’s life. David became a martyr for sexual minorities in Uganda. His death created horror and panic amongst the Kuchu community in Uganda. David’s blood was blood of a martyr.” Jeff Ogwaro, CSCHRCL.
“it’s a challenge to step in his shoes. The void that David left is one hard to fill. The skills he employed while at his work is unmatchable. He was courageous and had no fear to confront even the police. We shall eternally miss him. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Douglas., SMUG
“He was my mentor and a fierce one at that. He lived and loved and his footsteps will forever mark the LGBTI movement in Uganda.” Blessed.
“David went too soon. I had just started to get to know him. So full of life, many plans, he was very brave. We can never replace him and his precedence paved a way to activism for many. We can sit here and remember him as our hero” Junic FARUG
“A friend of mine from sierra leon said David was a servant. In 2009 we sat and identified David as the activist of the year. May his soul rest in peace.” Moses, Spectrum.
“we have lost a lot of history. We should document more of our stories so that when we are not here to tell those stories, they are on record. David was very tolerant and dedicated, aggressive but very understanding. He would keep quite a lot but he had a lot to say about the community. Activism is a calling. You sacrifice a lot. Its because of this sacrifice that David was murdered.” Jones
“Its our duty to fight for our freedom.
Its our duty to win
We must love each other and support each other
We have nothing to lose but our chains.” A poem by Asanta shakur which was recited by Pepe onziema, SMUG.
A composed but terribly sad mother of said a few but powerful words after the service.
“we thank God for the gift of life because life is priceless. Thank you all for the love you have showed me in memory of my son David and his work in serving Uganda. Thou sadden we are encouraged that David did wonderful things in serving this country. I thank you for constantly visiting me and thank you all for taking me to south Africa and showing me the work my son used to do. I was honored to hand over the certificate of David award. We thank God while we remember David. May his soul rest in peace.

Freedom And Roam Uganda: Annual General Meeting 2013

Freedom and Roam Uganda (FARUG) held its second Annual General Meeting (AGM) since the organization’s formation, from the 17^th to the 21^st January at an undisclosed location, with the participation of forty members and the help of one facilitator. The AGM was coupled with the leadership institute and the completion of a five year strategic planning for FARUG.  

The Executive director gave welcome remarks and members were directly thrown into an exercise and thereafter they presented their findings which helped relay the individual and group dynamics in relation to FARUG as an organization. Participants learnt the benefits of working together as a group, group cohesion, solidarity and sisterhood.

 “LOVE BEYOND THE SHEETS”  

Most participants shared similar expectations from the workshop, most of them were similar like learning more dialogue, meeting friends, sharing, voting board; some participants had a vision and were hopeful that after the AGM farug would have a clear road map to the future by the end of the workshop.

Members were yet again engaged in another task of drawing up a timeline mapping out the achievements and challenges of FARUG and the general LGBTI community since 2003 and the events that led to the formation of FARUG to date.

The facilitator also took participants through temperaments of AIR, FIRE, EARTH and WATER.

“We are all different as individuals and view the world differently, that the uniqueness in all of us. It’s from understanding yourself and others that we get to work together as a group for the good of FARUG” she said.

Participants also learnt how the different polarities could best work with each other and what everyone brings to the table.

The constitution,

The constitution of FARUG was studied in detail. Some articles there in were amended, and participants also made some recommendations to be incorporated into it. The Issue of identity also came up with controversy on the constituency of FARUG, what FARUG does and who exactly is FARUG.

Recommendations

1)      Members of FARUG must limit drinking and substance abuse because it affects performance and ruins a person’s image.

2)      All participants agreed unanimously that membership fee be increased to fifty thousand and paid by all on a yearly basis be it in installments or lamp some.

3)      It was agreed upon that it was impossible to have board elections because the participants were emotional and anxious and also the constitution had no provision for rules guiding voting for board but instead have an Extra-ordinary General Meeting.

4)      The strategic planning should include but not limited to; networking, advocacy and lobbying, research, membership support and leadership development.

5)      The staff should not be members of FARUG as this would interfere with the chain of command.

6)      Participants recommended that social Friday be limited to once a month and exclude drinking alcohol to enable members engage in crucial organizational concern.

7)      Start the transition process for the Incoming executive director immediately so that by the time the current one relinquishes the seat in July, she is well prepared.

 

The five day workshop was a great success with a lot learnt and shared. There was no police interference during the conference nor during leisure hours for the participants.

FARUG is grateful for all the help that made this AGM a success. The funders who without their aid the AGM would not have taken place, the facilitator for her passion and commitment to helping FARUG, the members who sacrificed their time to take part in the AGM and the secretariat for organizing and coordinating the AGM.

Thank you all.