About David Kato
David Kato – human rights activist, friend, and colleague – was murdered in his home in Kampala, Uganda on 26 January 2011.
David campaigned tirelessly for human rights and particularly for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) Africans. He was the Litigation & Advocacy Officer with Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), a LGBT rights organization in Uganda. David worked closely with international partners on a number of occasions, and his contribution on policy issues, especially in Africa, is a testimony to his tireless advocacy efforts.
He spoke about the legal barriers to accessing human rights at the 2010 International AIDS Conference in Vienna. In November 2010, David, representing Africa, provided an important perspective at a meeting of the UK Consortium on AIDS and International Development about access to HIV care and support. He made sure that due attention was given to this issue for all people, including those from sexual and gender minority groups.
“David Kato was a hero not just to LGBT Ugandans, but to all Ugandans, and to all supporters of human rights worldwide.” said Frank Mugisha, David’s colleague and Executive Director of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), “The death of David will only be honoured when the struggle for justice and equality is won.”
This award is in part supporting David’s legacy - continuing to promote human rights, particularly for LGBTI people in challenging circumstances and unsupportive policy environments.