Ugandan Dancer in Hiding After Wedding Speech Sparks Mob Attack

Jinja, Uganda – A Ugandan traditional dancer is in hiding after a mob attack following a wedding speech that publicly outed her and a colleague.

Patricia Bitamazire, a member of the renowned Nile Beat dance Artists troupe, was hospitalized after the assault, which was allegedly sparked by a groom’s speech at his own wedding recently, a source close to the matter has told this publication.

The groom, Mr. Rogers Kaisokampanga, a fellow dancer in the troupe, reportedly used his wedding speech to reveal he was gay and claimed he was introduced to homosexuality by Patricia and her former manager, Sumaya Nabayaza.

Sumaya Bayiga Nabayaza

Ms. Sumaya, who is out of the country did not attend the wedding. She allegedly sneaked out of Uganda to one LGBTQ safe haven countries in Europe with reports saying Germany or United Kingdom. Some sources suggested she was in the United States or Canada.

The impromptu announcement at the wedding, where Nile Beat Artists was providing entertainment, led to immediate chaos and humiliation for Patricia, who was forced to leave the venue.

The following day, a mob reportedly attacked her at her home in Jinja. She sustained injuries and was taken to a local hospital before fleeing her residence to an undisclosed location.

This incident highlights the escalating dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda, where the recently passed Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 imposes severe penalties, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”
The law has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and international bodies.

Patricia Bitamazire

LGBTQ+ Rights Under Threat

The attack on Patricia and the public naming of Sumaya underscore the risks associated with public exposure in a country where homosexuality is criminalized. Human rights groups say the new legislation has emboldened those who harbor anti-gay sentiments, leading to an increase in harassment, discrimination, and violence.

“The fear is not just of legal prosecution, but of mob justice,” said a local human rights advocate who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons. “When a public figure, even at their own wedding, can openly make such an accusation, it’s a license for violence. People are being named and hunted.”

The Nile Beat Artists dance troupe has yet to release a statement on the incident. The group is known for its vibrant performances celebrating Ugandan culture, and the incident has cast a shadow over its reputation. It remains unclear how the group will handle the controversy or the absence of a key member and their former manager.

The fate of both Patricia and Sumaya remains uncertain