A List of Ugandans Who Should Care About LGBTQI+ Rights

I am passionate about protecting human rights and improving the lives of all people across Uganda. It’s my personal mission. I often meet people who share this vision of a world where all of us can be safe, free and equal, especially here in the United Kingdom (to be honest, the only LGBTQI+ friendly place I have lived). But sometimes, when discussing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Ugandans, I hear a familiar refrain: “Maybe it is important, but it’s not really my battle.”

If that sentiment sounds familiar, may I gently and warmly invite you to reconsider? The fight for LGBTQ rights is not a niche cause; it is a fight for the future of Uganda, and it concerns every citizen.

If you belong to any of these five groups of Ugandans, you should be at the forefront of promoting the dignity and rights of your LGBTQ+ neighbours.

1. Advocates for democracy and the rule of law

The passage of extreme anti-LGBTQ legislation is not merely about one group; it is a litmus test for democratic backsliding and a grave threat to the rule of law for everyone.

The canary in the coal mine: the persecution of LGBTQ+ Ugandans often serves as a highly visible, easy-to-digest scapegoat to distract from core issues like corruption, economic mismanagement and failures of governance. When any government can isolate and target one group with impunity, it lays the groundwork for laws that can infringe on everyone’s rights.

A threat to civil society: LGBTQ+ activists and the organisations that support them are often the first line of defence, protecting not only themselves but the fundamental right of every Ugandan to organise, speak out and advocate without fear of state-sponsored harassment.

Why you should care: if you care about constitutionalism, judicial independence, freedom of assembly and a future where power is held accountable, you must stand with the LGBTQ+ Ugandan community. A violation of rights for one is a threat to the rights of all.

2. Business leaders and those who seek economic prosperity

Promoting equality is not just a social ideal but a clear path towards a more resilient and shared prosperity for the whole nation. Exclusion carries a steep, measurable cost.

The cost of discrimination: workplace discrimination, social stigma and legal invisibility keep many LGBTQ+ Ugandans locked out of stable, productive jobs. This loss of talent, skill and human capital is an economic drain. Studies have shown that homophobia and transphobia can cost countries a significant percentage of their gross domestic product (GDP).

The brain drain: highly skilled, educated LGBTQ+ Ugandans, activists and advocates are often forced to seek work and safety elsewhere, taking with them talent that could be contributing to the nation’s innovation and growth.

Why you should care: if you are a business leader, an employer or an economist, you should recognise that inclusive economies are stronger economies. Investing in equal opportunity for all Ugandans translates directly into greater productivity, higher consumer spending and a stronger global reputation.

3. Parents, guardians and defenders of the family

Every Ugandan who is raising or caring for a child should care about the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people, because the LGBTQ+ community is not “them”. It is us.

The reality of family: LGBTQ+ people are not strangers from a faraway land; they are your children, your siblings, your cousins and your neighbours. Every parent must imagine what it is like to live in a society where they constantly worry about their child being bullied, harassed, blackmailed or ostracised simply for being who they are.

A culture of fear: when the state encourages fear and discrimination, it poisons the environment in homes, schools and communities. It makes families less safe, driving a wedge between parents and children.

Why you should care: if you value the integrity and security of the family, you must champion an environment of unconditional love and acceptance. Protecting the rights of LGBTQ people means ensuring that all families in Uganda can live free from violence and state interference.

4. Healthcare professionals and advocates for public health

Health is a universal right, but systemic prejudice and legal barriers make it impossible for many LGBTQ Ugandans to access even the most basic care, creating a serious public health problem for everyone.

Barriers to care: stigma, fear of exposure and the risk of abuse within healthcare settings stop LGBTQ people seeking help for mental health, general wellness and specific health issues like HIV/AIDS.

The domino effect: when a significant group is unable to access reliable health information and treatment, it undermines national public health campaigns and creates a reservoir of untreated illness that can affect the wider population.

Why you should care: if you work in healthcare or care about the health of your community, you should see that good health is fundamentally tied to human rights. Promoting LGBTQ rights is a crucial intervention for mental wellbeing, HIV prevention and overall national health security.

5. Religious and faith leaders

For those who follow the principles of love, compassion and justice found in all major faiths, the struggle for LGBTQ rights is a matter of upholding the highest moral and ethical duties.

Universal dignity: the core tenets of Christianity, Islam and traditional Ugandan spirituality include inherent human dignity and the call to love one’s neighbour as oneself. No one should be subjected to violence, poverty or ostracism.

The command to protect the vulnerable: across all faiths, there is a strong emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable and marginalised in society. In the current climate, LGBTQ people undeniably fall into this category.

Why you should care: if you lead or belong to a faith community, you must challenge policies that promote hatred, fear and division. True faith calls us to radical compassion and justice. By advocating for the rights of LGBTQ Ugandans, you affirm the sacred worth of every human life.

---

Against the current backdrop of increasing targeting and scapegoating, I hope you will include the protection of LGBTQ+ rights in your personal and professional priorities this year and beyond. The goal is not just to improve the lives of a minority, but to strengthen the foundational freedoms, economy and moral fabric of Uganda for all citizens.