3 gays charged for trespassing

2008-06-09 14:49

Kampala - A Ugandan court charged three homosexuals with trespassing for protesting against discrimination during last week's HIV/Aids conference in the capital, said police on Monday.

The three, who were charged on Friday with "criminal trespass with intention to annoy and insult participants" were among 13 gays arrested as they staged the protest, said Kampala police spokesperson Simeo Nsubuga.

They denied the charges while the rest were freed for lack of evidence.

Kampala magistrate Susan Kanyange released the three, ordering their sureties to deposit a bond of one million Ugandan shillings ($620) for each of them.

The protestors denounced organisers for not involving them in the conference and asked the meeting to pressure Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni into accepting them as a minority group.

Homosexuality is a crime in Uganda and is punishable by life imprisonment.

A new report entitled "Sexual Minorities in Uganda" said homosexuals were being excluded by discrimination from mainstream HIV/Aids programmes, putting their lives in danger.

"There are many gays in primary, secondary schools and high learning institutions who need to access the services of HIV/Aids fighting programmes, but due to social discrimination they are forced to remain hidden and be secretive.

"This is definitely a health concern in the context of HIV/Aids epidemic and it is of an urgent nature that we get involved in the global HIV/Aids prevention programmes," the report said.

- AFP