Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Muleme

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

Just like any ambitious young man, I always dreamed big and looked up to some individuals for their achievements in society. My goal has always been trying to be me and not trying to impersonate for recognition. I have had my bad days many times, but I choose to focus on the little achievements. After losing my teaching job as a Fine Art teacher to a homophobic principal in 2015, I decided to start my own organisation called Visual Echoes for Human Rights (VEHRA), to connect the LGBTIQ community in Uganda to use sport, art and economic empowerment as a tool for advocacy. Understanding the obstacles of not having any financial resources to run the organization, I maintained my dream and relied on the few donations from well-wishers who were impacted by the unique initiative I deployed for queer advocacy.
Above all, I utilized the health social network to create long term connections with very incredible individuals that have contributed enormously to my success. Being humble, knowing my capacity and the limitations has truly emboldened me. I do not fight for space and I always go where I am needed.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

My life has always been intertwined with obstacles and challenges. Some of my fellow peers always perceived me differently and went ahead to blackmail me for my beliefs and standards. The obstraction from resources and platforms created a very big challenge for me. Envy, jealousness and entitlement by others sufficed the rocky journey I have traveled. But here I am!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I am a creator with multi-skills in art; ranging from painting, drawing, mosaic, tapestry techniques, collage, basketry, weaving, ceramics, sculpture and tie & dye. I have a Bachelors Degree in Commercial Industrial Art & Design, from Nkumba University. I am a playwright and I have written powerful scripts depicting the lives of queer people, especially in Africa. I’m halfway, a full script “The Queer Invasion in Uganda”, which depicts the onset and current situation caused by the Ant-Gay Law 2023. I am known for being a frontline LGBTIQ activist due to my impact over the years, and I am proud of myself for remaining true to my standards. I am The Global Advisory Council Representative of InterPride for Region 16, which geographically covers Africa. Actually, WorldPrde 2028 shall be hosted in Africa for the very first time in Cape Town, South Africa. I am also a kind person, and I don’t want to see others suffer.
The unique aspect of me from others is that I don’t fight for space or recognition, and I am a private person especially when I sense a toxic environment.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?

The vibrant cultural mix, accessibility, natural preservations and the unique infrastructural development stands out for me.
On the other hand, the loud sirens in the city, human waste on certain streets and the white supremacy from some people is annoying.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevenmuleme?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eyer2
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/krestlear2