IBTimes UK meets a small lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex (LGBTI) community who fled Uganda after facing persecution. In Uganda, sexual and gender minorities continue to face arrest, discrimination, eviction from their homes and violence from government officials and individuals.

Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
Charles and David walk around one of the tin-roofed and plastic-sheeted dwellings in their isolated compound Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK
Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
A thorny hedge offers little protection against outsiders' attacks, the LGBTI community told IBTimes UK Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK

Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act, which increased prison sentences for same-sex conduct and criminalised the "promotion of homosexuality", was found unconstitutional and nullified in August 2014 but homosexuality remains illegal and discrimination is widespread. Around 100 individuals have sought asylum in Kenya's second largest refugee camp, Kakuma.

Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
Members of the LGBTI community in Kakuma refugee camp gather in their compound to discuss the discrimination Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK
Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
Members of the LGBTI Ugandan community outside their dwelling Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK

While many in the community asked not to be identified for fear of further persecution within the camp, they spoke to IBTimes UK about their troubles. Despite having fled because of the insecurity they faced in their native Uganda, they now face a life of suffering after having sought refuge in Kenya.

Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
A pair of high heels – belonging to a transgender living in the LGBTI community in Kakuma refugee camp – hangs in a makeshift bedroom near a rainbow flag, a symbol of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered pride Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK
Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
Charles Itwara, a transgender person, said local people threw stones at her across the flimsy thorny hedge of the community's compound Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK

The small LGBTI community which alleges it is forced into isolation for its own security, has urged for improved protection, and access to services provided to other refugees.

Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
Clothes in a transgender person's makeshift bedroom Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK
Ugandan LGBT in Kakuma refugee camp
Only a few LGBTI Ugandans chose to reveal their identity to IBTimes UK Elsa Buchanan for IBTimes UK

Read the full story: Isolated LGBTI Ugandans face traumatic persecution in Kenyan refugee camps

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