INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED ACTIVIST DENIED VISA

An internationally recognised Ugandan activist has been denied a visa to the UK to attend a Pride event in Northern Ireland.

Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera was refused a visa to open the Foyle Gay Pride Festival in Derry on the 24th of August, apparently because she could not prove her financial status in Uganda.

In May, Nabagesera was awarded the prestigious international Martin Ennals Laureate Award for Human Rights Defenders for her work in promoting the rights of LGBTI and marginalised people in Uganda.

She is the also the founder and Executive Director of Freedom and Roam Uganda (Farug), a lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights organisation.

“As a city still evolving and dealing with the legacy of the past, Kasha’s message and story is of particular importance and relevance and inspirational for our wider community to hear,” said Sha Gillespie, chairperson of Foyle Pride, who expressed an “overwhelming sense of disappointment” at news of the visa denial.

“I can’t understand why the UK is the only country to deny her entry and deny the opportunity for the people of Derry and Northern Ireland as a whole the chance to hear this inspirational woman speak,” Gillespie said.

A UK Border Agency spokesperson stated in response that Nabagesera is able to reapply at any time and “any new evidence will be considered”.

A burgled and vandalised, with the burglars stealing the names of members.