Norway congratulates Rafto Prize winner Sexual Minorities Uganda

“I would like to congratulate Sexual Minorities Uganda on winning this important prize. It is a recognition of Sexual Minorities Uganda’s courageous efforts to promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Uganda,” commented Norway’s Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The Rafto Human Rights Prize 2011 was today awarded to Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) and its leader Frank Mugisha. SMUG works to promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.  

“We see this as a tribute to all those who dare to stand up against the discrimination and hate crime sexual minorities are often subjected to. SMUG is working to dispel myths and prejudice so that, in the long term, society will realise that human rights are for all,” Norway’s Minister for the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim said.

Among other things, SMUG is seeking to prevent a controversial private member’s bill, the proposed Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill, from being passed. SMUG receives funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On a number of occasions Norway has raised the issue of the situation of sexual minorities with the Ugandan authorities, including in talks between President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni and Mr Støre.

Press officers:
For Støre: Press officer Svein Michelsen sam@mfa.no, mobile +47 971 07 379.
For Solheim: Head of Communications Trond Viken, trv@mfa.no, mobile +47 992 18 303