Kuchu Times Media Group has today joined Men of The Night Uganda-MONU and Uganda Network for Sex Work Led Organizations – UNESO for a COVID-19 Vaccination drive that was primarily aimed at bringing the service closer to LGBTIQ+ people and the sex worker community.

“It is important to get services nearer to LGBTIQ+ people and other KPs and educate them on the importance of being vaccinated. Many of us were afraid of getting the vaccine in the beginning but I’m delighted that the drive has been embraced by the community. Interestingly, today LGBTIQ+ people came in with their parents and other members of the community for vaccination. This for me means that the advocacy work we have done has brought the community together at such a trying time.” Says Kasha Jacqueline Nabagesera the Executive Director Kuchu Times Media Group.

Kasajja Jonathan the Executive Director Men of The Night Uganda-MONU says, “We organized the vaccination drive to bring COVID-19 vaccination closer to the community since within the government policies, LGBTIQ+ people and sex workers aren’t a priority group and getting vaccination for us is difficult because of the prevalent stigma in the health system. We have carried out several vaccination drives in the Central region of Uganda and so far we have reached about 100 individuals. Our challenge at the moment though is that some of the vaccines that some individuals got in the first phase are not available so we’ve had to send them away without vaccination. We hope to redeem this situation soon. Our next vaccination is going to be held at Ice Breakers Uganda Clinic on 17th September 2021 from 9:00AM to 2:00PM. I urge the community to join us. Let us fight COVID-19 together”

Daisy Nakato the Executive Director Uganda Network at Sex Work Led Organizations – UNESO who graciously offered their office premise as the venue for the vaccination drive says “We are so glad to have joined Men Of The Night Uganda – MONU today in this exercise because the work we do is risky, I was happy to see my community members get vaccinated today. This means they will be at a lower risk of contracting COVID-19.”

“Today was a success because most of the LGBTIQ+ people and sex workers who came here today got their first jab. I’m glad they asked lots of questions and we were able to respond to them. The medical personnel here were so helpful and kind.” Says Zziwa Guy Jairus Programs Director Men Of The Night Uganda.

COVID FACTS:
• If you have any underlying health issues like HIV, blood pressure, diabetes, or enrolled on ART please inform the medical personnel before receiving vaccination.
• Please wear your mask, ensure social distancing and sanitize or wash your hands with soap frequently.
• Contrary to myths receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will not make you magnetic, including at the site of vaccination which is usually your arm.
• COVID-19 is an airborne disease. Most people who get infected will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Symptoms include; fever, dry cough, fatigue, sore throat, diarrhea headache loss of taste or smell among others.
• Uganda has so far registered an estimated one hundred twenty two thousand COVID-19 cases and at least three thousand one hundred and three deaths.

PLEASE NOTE: There’s no need to panic, go to your nearest health center for vaccination.