Uganda Pride Revelers Celebrate Tentatively

In a country that not long ago seriously considered legislation mandating death for "aggravated homosexuality," a few dozen Ugandans gathered to celebrate LGBT Pride.

The week's Pride celebration culminated on Saturday at a secluded beach on Lake Victoria, 70 miles from the capital of Kampala. Pictures show the group enjoying themselves, though Reuters reports many were very aware of the need to hold the event far from major population centers in Uganda.

"Why do I have to celebrate it in an isolated place?," activist Sandra Ntebi told Reuters. "Who am I showing that [I] am proud, because we are celebrating to our own selves."

The world's attention turned to Uganda in 2011 when prominent gay activist David Kato was viciously murdered (an acclaimed documentary, Call Me Kuchu, chronicled Kato's life). The crime happened at the same time that homophobic politician David Bahati — galvanized by antigay American evangelicals — fought for the "Kill the Gays" bill. Bahati's legislation passed without the death sentence —  though still mandating life in prison for "aggravated homosexuality" —  but was overturned by a constitutional court last year.