Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08KAMPALA1133
2008-08-15 09:35:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Kampala
Cable title:
UGANDAN GOVERNMENT DROPS CASE AGAINST GAY ACTIVISTS
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHKM #1133 2280935 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 150935Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY KAMPALA TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0627
UNCLAS KAMPALA 001133
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL PGOV UG
SUBJECT: UGANDAN GOVERNMENT DROPS CASE AGAINST GAY ACTIVISTS
REF: KAMPALA 01087
On August 15, the Ugandan Government dropped the criminal
trespass case against Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG)
activists Pepe Julian Onziema, Valentine Kalende, and Usaam
Mukwaya. The charges stem from an incident at the
U.S.-sponsored PEPFAR Implementers' Conference in June.
Poloff attended the hearing. The Directorate of Public
Prosecutions requested that the case be dropped but did not
offer any explanation for the move. Justice Olive Kazarwe
subsequently dismissed the case. The defendants and gay
activists present were pleased and somewhat surprised by the
outcome. Lawyers for the defense called emboffs and
speculated that Government may have been swayed by
behind-the-scenes U.S. pressure with Ugandan officials and
mounting international attention.
BROWNING