Ugandan governor urged to dismiss charges

KAMPALA, Uganda, June 11 (UPI) -- A U.S. human rights advocacy group is urging Ugandan officials to dismiss charges against three sexual rights activists arrested during a demonstration.

The June 3 arrests of Onziema Patience, Valentine Kalende and Usaam Mukwaaya prove the Ugandan government's desire to suppress issues involving sexuality and HIV/AIDS, Human Rights Watch wrote in a letter to Minister of Justice and Attorney General Edward Kiddu Makubuya.

The activists were arrested in Kampala, Uganda, while taking part in a demonstration during the HIV/AIDS Implementers Meeting, an event to increase knowledge on issues concerning HIV/AIDS programs, the report said.

The three people arrested were protesting comments by the chairman of the Uganda AIDS Commission, Kihumuro Apuuli, that "gays are one of the drivers of HIV in Uganda," and federal officials do not have the money to fund direct prevention and treatment.

It was reported the activists were all let go June 6, charged with "criminal trespass" and are to appear in court for a June 20 hearing.