Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera, one of a small group of prominent Ugandan gay rights activists, has been awarded the Martin Ennals prize for defenders of human rights.

A draft law in Uganda threatens the death penalty for homosexual acts. Homophobia has grown in Uganda, driven by conservative Christian preachers and harking back to purported African traditions. As a result many Ugandan gays live in fear for their lives.

David Kato, a close friend of Nabagasera and a fellow activist was was beaten to death with a hammer at his home in Kampala. Nabagasera still faces daily threats as she stands up for the rights of Uganda’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender minorities.

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are among the 10 organizations that give the annual Martin Ennals Award.

Here Nabagasera speaks about gay rights in Uganda and the murder of her friend Kato.