The three Ugandan LGBT/HIV human rights defenders that were arrested and detained on the 4th of June 2008 and charged with criminal trespass will face prosecution at 9 am on Friday, the 20th of June 2008 at the Magistrate’s court in Kampala. (20-JUNE-08)

Based on an appeal received from LGBT rights defenders i East Africa, this article has been edited and prepared for publication here by HRH F / Niels Jacob Harbitz.

The activists behind the appeal request that you write letters to the Attorney General of Uganda, and Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda requesting for the charges to be dropped unconditionally, as soon as possible. Please contact the relevant officers below, with this request, highlighting the fact that the action was justified, the conference organizers also did give accreditation to the three activists, and that it is in the interest of the Ugandan population as a whole, and the War on HIV/AIDS in particular to include sexual minorities in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Uganda. They also request those of you that are based in Uganda to come to court on Friday to show your support and belief in the indivisibility of human rights.

Background:
Three Human Rights Defenders were arrested during the just concluded HIV/AIDS Implementers meeting in Kampala. There were objecting to the exclusion of Sexual Minorities from the HIV/AIDS Prevention programmes in the country. After two days and nights of detention in police cells, the three: Pepe Julian Onziema, Valentine Kalende and Usaam Mukwaya were charged with Criminal Trespass, a charge that carries a one year jail term according to section 302 of the Penal Code of Uganda. They were released on bail on the 6th of June 2008.

Please send email, fax and/or call the officials below:
Hon. Dr. Edward Kiddu Makubuya
Attorney General
Minister of Justice, Constitutional Affairs & Attorney General
Tel:  +256-414-230-538
Fax: +256-414-254-829
Email: mojca@africaonline.co.ug

Mr. Richard Buteera
Director of Public Prosecutions
Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Affairs & the Attorney General
Tel: +256-414-332-502/332-504
Fax: +256-414-258-565/341-316
Email: admin@dpp.go.ug

For further information please contact;
David Kato
+256-773-104-971

Frank Mugisha
+256-772-616-062

Victor Juliet Mukasa
+256-753-116-034