Human rights groups and LGBTQ+ advocates in Uganda, are calling for an independent investigation after reports surfaced that three homosexual individuals died while in police custody earlier this month.
The victims — Rolland Nsamba 32 years, Nsubuga Henry 28 years, and Sekiranda Haruna 30 years , these were among the 13 homosexuals arrested during a police raid on an informal community gathering, allegedly organized in defiance of country’s laws.
Siraje Mukuye, who is reportedly wanted by authorities for organizing the event is on the ran, he will be charged for “promoting unnatural acts,” a charge frequently used under Uganda’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
The exact circumstances of their deaths remain unclear, and Ugandan authorities have yet to issue an official statement. However, reports allege that the three died within days of their detention at an undisclosed police facility in Kampala. Attempts by lawyers and family members to locate or visit the detainees were reportedly blocked.
However, a senior police official, speaking anonymously to a local blog, confirmed that three individuals died while on remand, attributing their deaths to “medical complications” and denying any wrongdoing.
Family members of the deceased say they were never officially informed of the deaths. Rolland Nsamba’s mother, who requested anonymity out of fear for her safety, told reporters:
“I went to the station three times. They kept telling me he wasn’t there. Now I hear he’s dead? Where is his body? Where is the justice?”Rolland Nsamba’s mother stated.
As of publication, the government has not released autopsy reports, and the whereabouts of the victims’ remains remain unknown.
