Imagine if your mother would go to jail if she did not report you to the police! Or getting a death sentence for having sex with the person you love. That’s how Uganda has taken a dangerous and shocking step with its recent 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Bill. This bill not only criminalizes homosexuality, carrying the threat of years in prison and a death sentence, but it also compels friends and family members to report individuals in same-sex relationships.
Refuges that once provided shelter have now become targets of persecution by authorities and anti-gay mobs. It is heartbreaking to hear stories like the brutal attack on a queer resident in Mpererwe or the assault and torture of a transgender person in Nabweru.
To make matters worse, any funding for LGBTQI+ related activities would become illegal, making it even more challenging to support the LGBTQI+ community.
The biggest risk is that other leaders in African countries may follow this example to enhance their popularity in a homophobic society. Currently, approximately half of the 64 countries that criminalize same-sex relationships are in Africa. In countries like Nigeria, Mauritania, Somalia, and South Sudan, being gay can even lead to death.
The special funding round for Uganda
As expected, the PlanetRomeo Foundation has received a significant number of funding requests from Africa in the past few weeks. Unfortunately, they were only able to support 24 projects out of 100 (with €138.000), Five of them from Uganda, leaving them heartbroken that they couldn’t help more LGBTQI+ organizations at this stage. Only a total of €30.000 was granted to these five projects. That’s why special action for Uganda is needed alongside our regular worldwide funding rounds.
Your contribution, no matter how small, will be a beacon of hope for the LGBTQI+ community in Africa. With extra donations, the PlanetRomeo Foundation can fund more projects from this emergency fund. Every moment counts. 100% of your donations will go towards the projects in Uganda!
After the donation process, leave us your ROMEO profile name. You will receive a badge visible on your profile for one year. This will also help spread the word about the Foundation and its work. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on the projects and how the funds were used.
PlanetRomeo Foundation supported five projects in Uganda in 2022. A total of €30.000 was granted.
Meet the PlanetRomeo Foundation
The PlanetRomeo Foundation has a powerful mission—to create a better world for the LGBTQI+ community. For over ten years, they have been making a difference by supporting projects where they are needed the most. But they can’t do it alone. It’s the community helping the community that has made their incredible work possible. Today, we urge you to join us in making a difference and helping the LGBTQI+ community in Uganda during these challenging times.
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