Human rights lawyer Godiva Akullo is not new in the activism community, especially in fighting for the rights of sexual minorities.
However, she has always operated under the radar, but over the past few years, she amplified her activism from the boardroom into the public domain. As a result, her relentless approach has been recognized with the David Kato Vision and Voice Award for 2025.
The annual award started in 2012 in recognition of the life and work of David Kato Kisuule, a sexual minorities rights activist who was murdered on January 26, 2011. The award recognizes the leadership of individuals who strive to uphold the numerous dimensions of sexual rights for LGBTQ+ people.
The ceremony took place in Kampala and attracted several dignitaries and representatives of human rights organizations. These include Jan Sadek, the European Union ambassador to Uganda; Maria Hakansson, the Swedish and Irish ambassador to Uganda; Kevin Colgan; and Hassan Shire, the executive director of the DefendDefenders, among others.
For her recognition, Akullo expressed being honored to be associated with the legacy of David Kato.
“I am elated to receive this special award that has previously been given to activists doing important work to advance the rights of LGBTIQ people all over the world. I am proud to have my work and role in the movement recognised and celebrated in this manner,” she said.
“The award is much-appreciated recognition and validation of the work I continue to do to expand visibility of queer Ugandans and to advocate for social inclusion, acceptance and legal protection of a community that I am proud to be a part of. The current climate of criminalization and legally sanctioned discrimination against LGBT Ugandans from society is painful and frightening, and this award is a much-needed boost and gives me inspiration to continue the struggle and continue to live my life openly and unapologetically. Aluta continua.”
The event started with the annual David Kato memorial lecture held under the theme “LGBTIQ Movements in Crisis: Navigating persecution, legal constraints and Associational Rights in a Shrinking Civic Space.”
Speaker after speaker, they commiserated about the life of Kato. Sadek encouraged communities to continue living their truth, be themselves and committed the EU’s support to human rights.
Meanwhile, guest speaker Lydia Namubiru emphasized the need to try and explore truth-seeking to heal and repair ourselves. US-based human rights activist Hillary Innocent Taylor Seguya won the award in 2024.
Who is Godiva?
She is a High court advocate, a lecturer and human rights activist. She is also a legal consultant with a special interest in sexuality, gender and the law, as well as women’s human rights.
She is a member of the Uganda Feminist Forum, FIDA Uganda, The Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society.