The ramifications of this directive extend beyond LGBTI+ organizations. Civil society as a whole, particularly human rights defenders, women’s rights groups, and organizations advocating for marginalized communities, could all be at risk. The directive’s broad language around “ideological projects” and “national interest” raises concerns about selective enforcement and potential retaliation against groups whose missions do not align with conservative agendas.

As we mourn the loss of Imaam Muhsin Hendricks, we must also reflect on the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights, recognizing that legal reforms are only one part of the struggle. True safety and acceptance demand societal change, including within religious communities.

Here’s the harsh truth: banning abortion only bans safe abortion. People will always seek ways to end unwanted pregnancies, whether legal or not.
According to the World Health Organization, unsafe abortions are a leading cause of maternal deaths globally. When legal pathways are closed, individuals especially those in marginalized communities are forced to resort to unsafe, life-threatening procedures. This is not about reducing abortions; it’s about controlling bodies and denying reproductive autonomy.

For too long, LBQ women have been invisible in HIV/AIDS discussions. The narrative has been shaped by ignorance about our sexual practices, with many assuming that we are immune to HIV because we do not fit the stereotypical profile of those at risk. This dangerous misconception has led to our exclusion from important health interventions, education, and funding—because we are simply not seen as a priority. Our sexual health and rights are not taken into consideration, and we have been left out of policies and programs aimed at tackling HIV/AIDS.

As Women of Faith in Action, we commit to continuing our work to restore faith and confidence among marginalized women. Through advocacy, mentorship, and connection, we will champion their right to health, dignity, and leadership in every sphere of life. We believe that every woman has a higher purpose to bring revival and transformation to her community. Let us walk this path together, ensuring no one is left behind in our collective fight against HIV.

HIV/AIDS does not discriminate, but people and systems do. Across Africa, LGBTQ individuals face pervasive stigma, criminalization, and violence that impede access to essential healthcare services. Policies that exclude LGBTQ people from national health plans, alongside social attitudes that discourage open discussions about sexuality, create environments where HIV thrives unchecked. These injustices not only undermine individual well-being but also hinder global efforts to achieve an AIDS-free world.

The LGBTQ+ movement in Uganda owes its foundation to the visionary leadership and unyielding spirit of LBQ women. At a time when societal stigma and legal barriers seemed insurmountable, these women stepped forward, creating safe spaces and platforms for dialogue, activism, and solidarity. Their courage to speak truth to power laid the groundwork for what we recognize today as a growing movement of hope and resistance.

A Ugandan court awarded UGX 150 million in damages to 20 men who were arrested, tortured, and publicly humiliated by officials in 2020 over accusations of homosexuality during COVID-19 lockdown enforcement. The court deemed the actions unconstitutional and ordered compensation for the violations. Activist Henry Mukiibi hailed the ruling as a significant milestone for the […]

Despite being left out of the official framework, marginalized groups of women have refused to remain invisible. Over the past 30 years, sexual and gender minorities and women with disabilities have built vibrant movements, achieved notable victories, and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive feminist agenda.
Advocacy efforts across Africa have made significant strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights, successfully challenging oppressive laws to decriminalize same-sex relationships in some countries and gaining greater recognition of gender diversity in others. Activists have also pushed for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in sexual and reproductive health agendas, ensuring improved access to HIV prevention, mental health services, and other essential healthcare. Additionally, platforms like Kuchu Times have played a pivotal role in amplifying LGBTQ+ narratives, fostering representation, and challenging harmful stereotypes, contributing to a cultural shift toward acceptance and understanding.