Organizers behind Ugandan's annual pride celebration announced Friday that they were canceling this year's march slated for this weekend.
According to BuzzFeed News, Saturday's parade was scheduled to take place in Munyonyo, outside the nation's capital of Kampala in a private space.
Lawyer/activist Nick Opiyo of Chapter 4 Uganda told BuzzFeed that Ethic Minister Simon Lokodo had threatened to disrupt the march during a meeting between the two on Friday.
"We decided to suspend it because of the risks to personal safety," Opiyo said. "The minister threatened to mobilize a mob and a large police group to beat up anyone who shows up for pride tomorrow. We will engage the government next week with a view of holding the pride parade at another date soon."
The news comes a day after police raided a pride event, where they arrested several prominent LGBT rights activists.
(Related: Uganda Pride event raided by police.)
Ty Cobb of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called the cancellation "deeply disturbing."
"It is deeply disturbing that Uganda's Pride celebration had to be canceled after threats from public officials. We stand in solidarity with the Ugandan LGBTQ community as they continue their work to make Uganda a country that is welcoming to all."
According to BuzzFeed News, Saturday's parade was scheduled to take place in Munyonyo, outside the nation's capital of Kampala in a private space.
Lawyer/activist Nick Opiyo of Chapter 4 Uganda told BuzzFeed that Ethic Minister Simon Lokodo had threatened to disrupt the march during a meeting between the two on Friday.
"We decided to suspend it because of the risks to personal safety," Opiyo said. "The minister threatened to mobilize a mob and a large police group to beat up anyone who shows up for pride tomorrow. We will engage the government next week with a view of holding the pride parade at another date soon."
The news comes a day after police raided a pride event, where they arrested several prominent LGBT rights activists.
(Related: Uganda Pride event raided by police.)
Ty Cobb of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) called the cancellation "deeply disturbing."
"It is deeply disturbing that Uganda's Pride celebration had to be canceled after threats from public officials. We stand in solidarity with the Ugandan LGBTQ community as they continue their work to make Uganda a country that is welcoming to all."
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine
