Today, Health GAP joined Ugandan civil society partner organizations, under the umbrella of the Civil Society Coalition on Human Rights and Constitutional Law, in speaking out against a brutal and unlawful police raid on August 4th, 2016 targeting Ugandans celebrating LGBTI Pride.

The Coalition's press release confronts the Ugandan government for its attack against a Pride celebration and challenges the outrageous and hateful statements made by the Government Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Min. Simon Lokodo.

For many years Health GAP has worked with vibrant Ugandan activist organizations—we have collaborated with LGBTI advocacy networks that are growing stronger and stronger every year. The violent government retaliation that occurred on August 4th was a response triggered by the increasing power of human rights and social justice activism, in a country with shrinking civil society space and an alarming trend of intensifying police brutality targeting media, opposition politicians and their supporters, and more.

As the press conference today shows, civil society in Uganda will not be silenced. Learn more about how to support the efforts of Ugandan civil society by contacting the Coalition at [email protected] and by contacting Asia Russell at [email protected].  You can also read more about what happened on August 4th here.