Today marks exactly 2 months since the the non-governmental organization bureau (NGO bureau), the government body that regulates NGOs in Uganda, halted the operations of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). The apparent reason was for non-registration although SMUG had made efforts to register with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) and the case is still in the courts of law.

The ripple effect of this closure has been widespread propaganda and direct targets on the lives of activists. Misinformation and actions by the ex-gay movement and political and religious leaders on the work of LGBTQ+ organizations have greatly increased fear, panic, and tension among Uganda’s LGBTQ+ community.
As a result, there is a need to educate the public and correct misinformation and biases about sexual minorities in Uganda.

Kuchu Times Media Group is launching a campaign, Reopen SMUG aimed at raising awareness on the closure of SMUG and to elicit concrete action from diplomatic, and human government bodies worldwide. Look out for the campaign on social media and use these hashtags (#IStandWithSMUG #InSolidarityWithSMUG #MySMUGStory) to be part of the campaign!