Stella Nyanzi

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Stella Nyanzi, September 2020 (cropped)

Ugandan academic, activist, and writer

Stella Nyanzi

Name	Stella Nyanzi
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Jinja, Uganda
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Academic, activist, writer
Years active
Organization
Known for	Human rights activism, feminism, LGBT rights
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Stella Nyanzi (born 16 June 1974) is a Ugandan academic, activist, and writer. She is known for her outspoken human rights activism, particularly in the areas of feminism and LGBT rights in Uganda. Nyanzi has been a prominent critic of the Ugandan government and has faced legal challenges due to her activism.

Early life and education

Stella Nyanzi was born on 16 June 1974 in Jinja, Uganda. She attended local schools before pursuing higher education. Nyanzi holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication and Literature from Makerere University. She later obtained a Master of Science in Medical Anthropology from University College London and a PhD in Anthropology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Academic career

Nyanzi has worked as a researcher and lecturer at Makerere University, where she has focused on issues related to sexuality, reproductive health, and gender studies. Her academic work has been published in various peer-reviewed journals and has contributed to the understanding of sexual health and gender dynamics in Africa.

Activism

Stella Nyanzi is widely recognized for her activism, particularly in advocating for women's rights, LGBT rights, and freedom of expression in Uganda. She has used social media platforms to voice her criticisms of the Ugandan government, particularly targeting President Yoweri Museveni and his administration.

In 2017, Nyanzi was arrested and charged with cyber harassment and offensive communication under the Computer Misuse Act of Uganda. Her arrest sparked international outcry and highlighted issues of freedom of speech and human rights in the country. Despite facing legal challenges, Nyanzi has continued her activism and remains a vocal critic of the government.

Writing

Nyanzi is also a prolific writer, known for her poetry and essays that address themes of social justice, gender equality, and political oppression. Her writings have been featured in various anthologies and literary journals.

Personal life

Stella Nyanzi is a mother of three children. She continues to live in Uganda and remains active in her academic and activist pursuits.

See also

• Human rights in Uganda
• LGBT rights in Uganda
• Feminism in Africa
• Freedom of speech