A major human rights organisation supporting LGBTQ+ people in Uganda has been ordered to shut down just days before the country’s national election. Chapter Four Uganda, known for defending civil liberties and queer rights, had its operating permit suspended with immediate effect by the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The shutdown came ahead of an election won by long-time president Yoweri Museveni, who secured 72 percent of the vote amid reports of violence.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine alleged the result involved fake results and ballot stuffing. Authorities, however, claimed that intelligence information showed Chapter Four was involved in activities “prejudicial to the security and laws of Uganda,” a charge the organisation strongly disputes. In a statement, Chapter Four said: “We consider this suspension unjustified and are pursuing all available administrative and legal measures to restore our operational status as soon as possible.”
The move has sparked alarm among LGBTQ+ advocates, especially as Uganda enforces one of the world’s harshest Anti-Homosexuality Acts, including life imprisonment and the death penalty for certain charges.
