The Norwegian Rafto Prize 2011 has been awarded to Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG) for its work to make fundamental human rights apply to everyone, and to eliminate discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Frank Mugisha (32), Executive Director of SMUG, will receive the award on behalf of the organisation.
“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.
“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.
(NRK/Press release)
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