Current:Home > MyUgandan police say gay rights activist in critical condition after knife attack-InfoLens
Ugandan police say gay rights activist in critical condition after knife attack
View Date:2024-12-23 21:50:18
KAMPALA, Uganda (AP) — A well-known gay rights activist in Uganda was stabbed by unknown assailants Wednesday, and police said he was hospitalized in critical condition.
A video posted on the social media platform X shows Steven Kabuye lying on the ground writhing in pain with a deep and long cut on his right arm and a knife stuck in his belly.
Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said that residents found Kabuye after the attack and that the activist was in critical condition.
One of two attackers who arrived on a motorcycle tried to stab Kabuye in the neck, Onyango said.
“He (Kabuye) managed to shield his neck with his right arm, resulting in a stab wound to his hand. Despite attempting to flee, the assailants chased and stabbed him in the stomach,” Onyango said.
Ugandan gay rights activist Hans Senfuma said in another post on X that the attackers wanted to killed Kabuye.
“Steven claims that these two guys’ intentions were to kill him not robbing and also claims that it seems they have been following him several days,” Senfuma wrote.
Ugandan activists have expressed fears that a new law on homosexuality enacted last May would increase attacks against the gay community.
Homosexuality has long been illegal in Uganda under a colonial-era law criminalizing sexual activity “against the order of nature,” with life imprisonment possible for a conviction. The new law added more offenses and punishments.
Kabuye had posted on X that he was deeply concerned about the consequences of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023.
“This law violates basic human rights and sets a dangerous precedent for discrimination and persecution against the LGBTQ+ community. Let us stand together in solidarity and fight against bigotry and hate,” he said.
The new law prescribes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” which is defined as cases of sexual relations involving people infected with HIV or with minors and other categories of vulnerable people. “Attempted aggravated homosexuality” carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
In addition, there is a 20-year prison term for “promoting” homosexuality, a broad category affecting everyone from journalists to rights activists and campaigners.
___
Associated Press writer Tom Odula in Nairobi, Kenya, contributed to this report.
veryGood! (13)
Related
- Moana 2 Star Dwayne Johnson Shares the Empowering Message Film Sends to Young Girls
- Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
- Anne Hathaway Shares She's 5 Years Sober
- Shootout that killed 4 law officers began as task force tried to serve a warrant, police say
- Duke basketball vs Kentucky live updates: Highlights, scores, updates from Champions Classic
- Miami-Dade County Schools officer arrested, 3-year-old son shot himself with her gun: Police
- Why Meghan Markle Won’t Be Joining Prince Harry for His Return to the U.K.
- HBCU Xavier of New Orleans moves closer to establishing a medical school
- MVSU football player killed, driver injured in crash after police chase
- HBCU Xavier of New Orleans moves closer to establishing a medical school
Ranking
- When is 'The Golden Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, where to watch Joan Vassos' big decision
- 4 law enforcement officers killed in shooting in Charlotte, North Carolina
- Tony Awards: Which Broadway shows are eligible for nominations? When is the 2024 show?
- Mississippi lawmakers expected to vote on Medicaid expansion plan with work requirement
- Justice Department sues to block UnitedHealth Group’s $3.3 billion purchase of Amedisys
- Shooting after prom kills 1 and injures 3 in south Georgia town
- Louisiana Supreme Court rules for new City of St. George
- Trump and DeSantis, once GOP rivals, meet in South Florida to talk about 2024 election
Recommendation
-
Blake Shelton Announces New Singing Competition Show After Leaving The Voice
-
Hamas releases propaganda video of two hostages, including a kidnapped American citizen
-
Why Meghan Markle Won’t Be Joining Prince Harry for His Return to the U.K.
-
'You tip, we tip': Domino's to begin tipping customers who tip their delivery drivers
-
Who will save Florida athletics? Gators need fixing, and it doesn't stop at Billy Napier
-
Ethics committee dismisses complaint against Missouri speaker
-
Memphis residents say environmental racism prompted pollution ‘cesspool,' wreaking havoc
-
How many 'Harry Potter' books are there? Every wizarding book in order of release.