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.

Ruth Muganzi, the programs director for Kuchu Times, said:
“The right to use our voices and our stories, to speak out and defend our lives, is a right worth fighting for. To be silent will never be an option. “

But as we grieve, we also stand firm in our commitment to fight for justice. Kuchu Times Media Group remains steadfast in its mission to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ persons in Uganda, document their lived realities, and challenge narratives that seek to dehumanize them. We will not be silenced in the face of oppression. We call on allies, policymakers, and human rights defenders worldwide to act. The lives of transgender Ugandans—and indeed all LGBTQ+ persons—must be protected. Laws that incite violence and discrimination must be repealed, and justice must be pursued for those who have been harmed.