Few month after the untimely death of his father in March, a professional civil engineer and human rights activist Hakim Lubwama Ssebagala almost lost his too, in the hands of security forces. His only crime is advocating for the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) personnel.
Lubwama is one of the few individuals who rise not just to meet the challenges but to also reshape the very fabric of society, in the face of adversity.
“Hakim Lubwama Ssebagala stands as a testament to this unyielding spirit,” said one of his close associates who works with him at the Smart Youth Network Initiatives NGO, where Lubwama serves as the Director in-charge of Programs and Coordination.
On June 5, Lubwama, according to his friend, had a conversation with him in the morning before all his known phone numbers went off abruptly.
“I got worried, because his phones had never been off,” he said adding, “When I visited his home, they also told me they had not seen him since 10:00am when he left home. I became curious and the search started only for me to learn that he was arrested on his way to office where he was destined to hold a meeting with some of the clients,”
He notes that he jumped on a Boda-Boda to the Kira Road Police Station where his friend was being held.
“He is a homosexual,” one of the officers said before leading me to the cell where I had a brief conversation with him.
We learnt about his ordeal from his committed friend who preferred not to be named for fear of being targeted.
He said that he later secured Lubwama’s release on June 8. “After wards we went straight to the Mulago Hospital where he was treated for the wounds he sustained during the brutal arrests,” he said.
The Smart Youth Network Initiatives, according to this source under Lubwama’s leadership, has taken a bold stance against human rights violations in Uganda.
“This courageous stance has placed the organization at odds with the government, which has resulted in multiple arrests and detentions for Lubwama, because this was not his first arrest as others happened last year. The dangers of activism in a challenging political climate are all too real, as demonstrated by Lubwama’s harrowing experiences,” he said
In a tragic turn of events, Lubwama’s activism has had a profound personal impact. On March 10, 2023, his father was poisoned and passed away.
The allegations against him suggested that his father was targeted due to his strong support and financial contributions to the organization.
This personal loss underscores the extreme risks faced by those who fight for human rights in repressive environments.
Despite these profound challenges, Lubwama remains steadfast in his mission.
“His work continues to inspire many, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to justice and equality. His resilience in the face of danger and loss highlights not only the personal cost of advocacy but also the critical importance of standing up for human rights, regardless of the risks,” said the close friend.
Lubwama’s story is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fight for change. His unwavering dedication to human rights and civic education serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for all who believe in justice and equality.
He joins the many youths in Uganda who have been arrested because of their support to LGBTQ+.
On Thursday May 19, 2022, two members of the Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) who had gone to report a case of malicious damage to property at Ntinda Police Station were instead arrested.
These were detained till May 2023 on condition that they report back to police weekly until investigations against them and SMUG were concluded.
In August, police in Buikwe arrested four people on allegations of homosexuality.
All this happen at a time when the Parliament is enacting a harsh draconian Anti-Homosexual Bill 2023, which upon passing by Parliament and signing into law by the President will criminalize homosexuality in the country.
