Today the 17 th of May 2012, Trans Support Initiative Uganda (TSI-U), a Transgender and Intersex organization in Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. We take this day to remember all the injustice, violence, discrimination and murders that have already occurred to colleagues, relatives and friends.

It has not been long since we lost our very own David Kato because of homophobia, Aunt Victoria from Tanzania because of transphobia, the denial to access of medical services more especially HIV/Aids drugs to people like Beyonce and the closure of human rights workshops denying already marginalized
people access to information.

It is unfortunate and unbearable that Uganda still has political leaders who do not value or understand humanity and human Rights. It is sad that religious and cultural leaders have already forgotten the pillar of their calling LOVE and now promote HATE.

We know that denying human rights to transgender people in Uganda just because they are different is a clear breach of the Constitution of Uganda, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other regional and international human rights instruments that Uganda has ratified all of which protect the
rights of every Ugandan.

Therefore, we call on the government of Uganda to respect and put in practice the protection and equality provisions of the Constitution and regional and international human rights instruments by protecting all marginalized groups, without discrimination. Transgender and intersex people in Uganda face physical and verbal abuse, are denied access to health services, are victims of blackmail and extortion as well as unlawful arrests and mob justice. It is the responsibility of the Government of Uganda to protect them.

We call on cultural and religious leaders to promote love, respect and unity as pillars enshrined in our cultures and religions and not hatred and dis -unity.
We call on human rights organizations and sexual minorities groups to mainstream Trans and Intersex Rights. This group does not want special rights, but the protection and respect of their basic human rights.

For further inquiries please contact:
Ssalongo Nikki Mawanda
+256 701 82 1010
[email][email protected]
Aunt Cleo. K
[email][email protected]
,
Plot 1873, block 220, Naalya Kyambogo Road, next to Bavana Hostel, P.o Box 70116, Kampala, Ug Tel: +256 312 108 164 / +256 772 855 000. Email: [email][email protected], [email][email protected] Website: www.tsi-ug.org