Today in NYC: Vigil to commemorate David Kato, slain Ugandan activist

By Christopher Edwards on 02/03/2011 @ 10:35 AM

Tags: Events, In the News

Today, February 3rd, in Immigration Equality and Immigration Equality Action Fund join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) and over 35 other human rights and LGBT ors to honor the life of slain Ugandan activist David Kato.

In a statement, IGLHRC explained of David Kato:

Kato, a prominent leader of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) movement in Uganda, was found murdered in his Kampala home on January 26. His photograph had been published in a Ugandan tabloid that called for hanging gay people; he had recently led a successful lawsuit forcing the publication to desist. The groups also voiced concern that homophobia may prevent Ugandan authorities from conducting a full and fair investigation of Kato's murder.

"David Kato was a hero not just to LGBT Ugandans, but to all Ugandans, and to all supporters of human rights," said Frank Mugisha, Kato's colleague in Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), an LGBT rights organization in Uganda. "As we mourn him, we must also ensure that his killers are brought to justice and that no LGBT Ugandan ever faces the same deadly violence again."

For the complete statement on Kato's life, the vigil, and the sponsoring organizations, see here.

Event Details

WHAT:

Candlelight vigil and silent procession

WHY:

To honor slain Ugandan LGBT activist David Kato

WHEN:

February 3, 2011, 4:00 pm at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza; 5:00 pm at Uganda House

WHERE:

Dag Hammarskjold Plaza at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 47th Street, NY, NY.

Uganda House at 336 East 45th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues, NY, NY.

WHO:

The keynote speech will be delivered by Val Kalende, Board Chair of Freedom and Roam Uganda, an LBT organization in Uganda.

Additional speakers include:

• Cary Alan Johnson (International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission)
• Reverend Kapya Kaoma (Public Research Associates)
• Amanda Lugg (African Services Committee)
• Kagendo Murungi (Wapinduzi Productions)
• Dr. Cheikh Traore (United Nations Development Program)
• Invited guests included United States and New York City government officials.
• Speaker list in formation.

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFO

Found at Facebook, here.