Binnenstad in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
David Kato
| — | Walk of Pride Amsterdam | — |
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 2026
1. David Kato Marker
David Kato
1964-2011
hij/hem he/him
As "the Father of the LGBTQ+ movement" in Uganda, David Kato worked tirelessly for legal protection for the LGBTQ+ community in his country in the face of ongoing violent attacks. He was beaten to death for his advocacy.
Erected 2026 by Walk of Pride Amsterdam. (Marker Number 05.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Walk of Pride Amsterdam series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 26, 2011.
Location. 52° 22.399′ N, 4° 53.373′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Binnenstad. It is at the intersection of Raadhuisstraat and Spuistraat, on the right when traveling west on Raadhuisstraat. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1012 TJ, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: FannyAnn Eddy (here, next to this marker); Xulhaz Mannan (a few steps from this marker); Sarah Hegazi (a few steps from this marker); Xica Manicongo (within shouting distance of this marker); Gesina Dekker (within shouting distance of this marker); Jillis Bruggeman (within shouting distance of this marker); Emma Trosse (within shouting distance of this marker); Bier was hier / Beer was here (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.
Also see . . .
1. David Kato (Wikipedia). Overview:
David Kato Kisule (c. 1964 – 26 January 2011) was a Ugandan teacher and LGBT rights activist, considered a father of Uganda's gay rights movement and described as "Uganda's first openly gay man". He served as advocacy officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).(Submitted on September 6, 2026.)
Katowas murdered at his home on 26 January 2011, shortly after winning a lawsuit against Rolling Stone, a Ugandan magazine which had published his name and photograph identifying him as gay and calling for him to be executed.Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, August 31, 20262. David Kato Marker - wide view
2. David Kato (Walk of Pride Amsterdam). Excerpt:
… he moved to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was able to find work as a teacher. There, he witnessed how the country was transforming from a society defined by apartheid into a multicultural democracy in which LGBTQ+ rights were explicitly enshrined in the constitution for the first time. During this period, he felt the strength to come out as gay.(Submitted on September 6, 2026.)
Inspired by the civil rights movement in South Africa, David returned to Uganda in 1998 at the age of 34, bringing this activist momentum with him. Homosexuality was illegal in Uganda—as it still is today—and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Upon his return he chose to organize a press conference at which he came out publicly, despite the danger, and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights. This earned him the epithet “Uganda’s first openly gay man.” He was arrested and spent Christmas in jail before his twin brother, John, arranged his release on bail.
Additional keywords. lgbt, lgbtq
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
