KAMPALA UGANDA | In a shocking series of events, Elias Nsamba, a distinguished Ugandan chemist and gold medalist in the brewing industry, has been subjected to a violent attack amid allegations of a homosexual relationship with Simon B, a university student and son of a high-ranking military official.
Nsamba, known for his significant contributions to African brewing sciences and a family man with a wife and children, has faced life-threatening injuries after being poisoned and beaten in what appears to be a hate crime motivated by Uganda’s Anti Homosexuality Law. This law not only criminalizes such relationships but also deeply contravenes cultural and traditional norms within the country.
The assault on Nsamba was reportedly orchestrated by two officers under the command of the military official, as a punitive measure to “discipline” him and enforce separation from Simon B, who is currently pursuing a degree in computer engineering. The attack, described by witnesses and the victim, involved abduction and a harrowing ordeal where Nsamba was taken to an undisclosed location, brutally beaten, and left unconscious.
Following the incident, which occurred in January 2021, Nsamba’s family was also threatened and kidnapped by unidentified individuals, coercing him into a meeting that led to his violent ambush. The attackers made it clear that their motivation was to eradicate what they deemed as an “abhorrent” relationship.
Miraculously surviving after being left on the roadside, Nsamba now faces not only the physical and emotional aftermath of his ordeal but also legal repercussions due to Uganda’s stringent laws against homosexuality.
This case has sparked a wider conversation about human rights, privacy, and the safety of individuals in Uganda. Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights are calling for a re-examination of laws and cultural practices that lead to such acts of violence. Meanwhile, authorities are faced with the complexity of upholding the law while ensuring the protection of basic human dignity.
Elias Nsamba’s case stands at the intersection of legal controversy, human rights advocacy, and societal norms, challenging Uganda to confront the realities of its citizens’ diverse identities and the consequences of its laws.
