Uganda Emergency fund

Donors, with kind respect,

Please we want to let you know that since the passage of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act in March 2023, the LGBTIQ+ community has faced escalating threats including arrests, evictions, physical attacks, sexual violence, and denial of health care. Over 159 individuals have sought urgent assistance due to these life-threatening circumstances. Many have lost jobs, been cut off from essential services like food and medicine, and are experiencing increased isolation and discrimination. These ongoing challenges have created a critical need for emergency support and protective interventions.

Mbarara Rise Foundation has responded by providing safe relocation, emergency accommodation, nutrition, medical care, mental health support, and legal assistance to the most at-risk community members. Paralegals have intervened in urgent cases, and emergency bail and legal support have helped stabilize those imprisoned or facing imminent harm. Safe houses and psychosocial counseling have offered temporary relief while addressing immediate threats to personal safety and well-being.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Rising cases of displacement, harassment, and economic marginalization continue to place LGBTIQ+ individuals at risk. Access to health care and essential supplies remains limited in rural areas, while the community continues to face threats from family rejection, police brutality, and homophobic campaigns. There is a pressing need to scale up safe relocation services, expand legal and medical support, and strengthen community-based outreach to ensure timely assistance reaches those most vulnerable.

Looking forward, increased donor support and partnerships are essential to sustain and expand these interventions. Funding can help provide additional safe housing, cover emergency nutrition and medical needs, support legal advocacy, and enable rapid response to new threats. By contributing, donors can directly protect lives, restore dignity, and empower Uganda’s LGBTIQ+ community to survive and thrive despite systemic discrimination and violence.

Be blessed.