Police has launched a man hunt for Emma Ngangura, a bisexual from Uganda, who went gone into hiding.
It is believed that a one Emma went into hiding over severe persecution and threats to his life under Uganda’s stringent anti-LGBTQ+ laws. Emma’s journey underscores the peril faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda following the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023.
Emma, hailing from Ngora village, Uganda, narrates a life shadowed by fear and discrimination. Raised in a conservative environment, his sexual orientation became a secret he had to protect fiercely.
Despite Uganda’s harsh laws against homosexuality, Emma formed a clandestine relationship with a one Junior, a friend he met during a computer training course in 2009. Their bond, however, was faced by the constant threat of discovery and the subsequent repercussions.
In August 2022, the fragile secrecy of Emma’s relationship was broken when his younger brother, caught him with his ‘sweetheart’ Junior in an intimate moment, hence telling his family and community, facing dehumanizing treatment and constant threats.
The situation escalated further with the passing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which empowered the community to report suspected homosexuals to state authorities.
The persecution peaked in November 2023 when Emma and Junior were arrested by police officers following a tip-off from community residents. Although they were released on bail, the fear of imminent re-arrest and violence forced them to go into hiding. Emma has been living in fear, unable to reveal his whereabouts for his safety.
As Emma remains in hiding, his experience serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights abuses faced by LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.
