Two young Ugandans have fled to neighbouring Kenya after being targeted under the country's tough new anti-homosexuality legislation. The bill, passed by parliament last month, initially proposed life imprisonment for anyone identifying as LGBT, but this was later removed in a watered-down version. However, it remains one of Africa's strictest anti-gay laws, prescribing the death penalty for aggravated offences and seven-year prison terms for landlords renting premises for homosexual acts.
Diane, a woman in her 20s, was outed after people suspected her relationship with her girlfriend and searched her phone. Her partner was brutally beaten by her own father and two other men, who then locked them in a room. They were rescued by a friend from the LGBT community but had to flee Uganda after the bill passed. With help from Trans Rescue, a group that assists LGBT people in danger, they reached Kenya.
Jeff, a doctor in his early 30s, was outed after his boss saw him talking to a man who was later arrested for being gay. His employers forced him to unlock his phone and read his messages, then told him he could not keep his job. His landlord evicted him due to the new law, and he feared mob violence. He escaped to Kenya, saying he had to 'take the risk and run for my life'.
Both individuals spoke to the BBC from secret shelters in Uganda and later from Kenya, describing the fear and danger they faced. The bill has not yet been signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni but has drawn international criticism from human rights groups.
