Brought up in a devout Catholic family in the suburbs of Kampala, Frank Mugisha knew that something was different about him, even as a small boy. He was gay, although in those days he had no words for it. Growing up, he was subjected to conversion therapy, and his family took him to traditional healers to try and change his orientation.

When all his prayers for God to “make him like his friends’ when unanswered, Frank gradually came out to family and close friends. And he started an organisation to help other LGBTQ people. But the atmosphere in Uganda was hostile. When a newspaper published the names of 100 gay people, Frank’s friend and fellow activist, David Kato, was bludgeoned to death in 2011.

 In conversation with Mike Wooldridge, Frank tells his story and explains why, despite the enormous risks he is taking, he has to do the right thing and continue his campaign. And he reflects on why he is still a Christian, even though some churches in Uganda have thrown their weight behind draconian new anti-homosexuality legislation.

 The programme is part of CTVC’s recurrent series, The Right Thing, for the BBC World Service’s religious Heart and Soul strand.

 Clip of Pope Francis © Vatican Radio/Dicastery for Communication