Pepe Julian Onziema is a prominent Ugandan LGBT rights activist and the Program Director at Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).
He has been a vocal advocate for the rights of sexual and gender minorities since 2003, facing significant personal risks including arrests and threats to his life.
Onziema gained international recognition after being featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver in 2014, where he discussed the dire human rights situation in Uganda.
Education
Onziema attended several schools in Uganda, including Shimoni Demonstration School and Makerere College School, where he completed his Advanced Level studies.
Despite facing financial challenges, he managed to fund his education through various means, including running a small grocery shop.
Onziema later enrolled at Kampala Business School, earning a diploma in shipping and freight management.
He also pursued professional counseling and psychotherapy, obtaining certification in that field.
Activism career
Onziema began his activism in the early 2000s, motivated by the need for visibility and rights for sexual and gender minorities in Uganda.
His early work involved community organizing, providing support to LGBT individuals, and raising awareness about the challenges they face, including discrimination, violence, and legal persecution.
In 2009, Onziema joined Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of LGBT people in Uganda.
As Programs Director, he has been instrumental in developing programs that focus on health, legal advocacy, and human rights education.
In his role at SMUG, Onziema was involved in legal battles aimed at protecting the rights of LGBT people from harassment and violence.
He has also led initiatives to educate the public about LGBT issues, aiming to reduce stigma and promote acceptance within Ugandan society.
One of Onziema’s most notable contributions was his involvement in the fight against the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2014, which sought to impose severe penalties on homosexual acts, including life imprisonment.
He engaged with international human rights organizations and media outlets to raise awareness about the bill’s implications, contributing to significant global pressure against the Ugandan government.
Following its passage, Onziema was part of a legal team that successfully challenged the constitutionality of the law.
In August 2014, Uganda’s Constitutional Court annulled the law on procedural grounds.
His activism gained further recognition through appearances on international platforms such as Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, where he highlighted the struggles faced by LGBT individuals in Uganda.
Awards and recognitions
Onziema has received numerous awards and recognitions for his tireless advocacy for LGBT rights in Uganda.
In 2012, he was honored with the Clinton Global Citizen Award for his leadership in civil society and his pioneering work in human rights advocacy.
The following year, he was shortlisted for the David Kato Vision and Voice Award, named in memory of his slain friend and fellow activist.
In 2014, Onziema was recognized as Hero of the Year by Stonewall, a UK-based charity focused on LGBT rights.
Most recently, in 2023, Onziema received the Paris International LGBTQIA+ Award, further solidifying his status as a leading figure in the fight for equality and human rights.
