KEY POPULATION SAFETY APP
The Key Population Safety App is an application that was transformed from the Stall App. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Let’s Walk Uganda developed an application to enable key populations to sell and buy goods with less movement, as movement was highly restricted in Uganda at the time. The Stall App served as a medium where key population members could sell and purchase goods. In 2023, Let’s Walk Uganda recognized the need to expand and develop the application further, not only facilitating buying and selling but also creating and adding essential tools to benefit key populations in Uganda. This led to the transformation of the Stall App into the Key Population Safety App.
The Key Population Safety App is a new and innovative technological tool designed to connect key populations and service providers through a mobile platform. The application offers support and information to users, including access to key population-friendly legal services, health services, shelters, and other essential services to the Marginalized populations.
TARGET:
Our target is to push the boundaries of technology to simplify and improve the lives of key populations and other marginalized groups. Through gradual development and ongoing community consultations, we will continuously enhance the application to ensure it meets the evolving needs of the communities we serve.”
VISION:
Our vision is to create a cutting-edge technological solution that revolutionizes how key populations and marginalized individuals access essential services and support. The Key population Safety App serves as a beacon of empowerment and inclusivity, uniting a diverse range of service providers and community members through a user-friendly mobile platform. By leveraging real-time communication and Google location features, our application seamlessly connects users with queer-friendly services and other vital resources in their immediate vicinity. Additionally, the app fosters a sense of community by facilitating the exchange of goods among members, contributing to economic empowerment and solidarity. As we continue to evolve and enhance the app, we are committed to actively engaging with the community to ensure it remains responsive to their needs. Our ultimate goal is to provide a lifeline of support for those at risk of violence or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, making their lives safer and more navigable in an often challenging world.
BACKGROUND
The Key population Safety App is a groundbreaking mobile application developed by Let’s Walk Uganda to address the unique challenges faced by key populations in Uganda. Originally conceived as the Stall App during the Covid-19 pandemic, it served as a vital platform for marginalized individuals to safely buy and sell goods in a time of restricted movement and heightened safety concerns.
However, recognizing the need for broader support and empowerment, Let’s Walk Uganda undertook a significant expansion and transformation of the app, resulting in the birth of the Key Population Safety App in 2023.
The Key population Safety App goes beyond facilitating commerce; it is a multifaceted tool designed to enhance the safety, well-being, and opportunities of key populations across Uganda. By incorporating essential features and resources, the app aims to provide a comprehensive support system, offering access to critical services, community connections, and vital information. It is a testament to our commitment to fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and secure environment for marginalized communities in Uganda.
As the first of its kind in the region, the Key population Safety App represents a powerful step forward in harnessing technology to address the specific needs and challenges faced by key populations. Through this transformative platform, Let’s Walk Uganda seeks to empower and uplift the community, promoting safety, resilience, and equality for all. The Key population Safety App stands as a beacon of progress and hope, driving positive change and fostering a more inclusive society for marginalized individuals in Uganda.
HOW IT WORKS
The Key population Safety App is an outstanding technological solution designed to connect individuals from key populations and marginalized communities with a range of supportive services and service providers through a user-friendly mobile application. The app offers a comprehensive platform for accessing various essential resources, including key population-friendly legal services, healthcare, shelters, and other critical support facilities. Users can easily locate and connect with these services in real-time using the Google location feature, which displays the nearest available options based on their location.
Additionally, the app facilitates direct communication with specialists across various sectors, allowing users to seek immediate assistance and advice as needed. Beyond accessing vital services, the app also provides a platform for community members to engage in the buying and selling of goods, fostering economic empowerment within marginalized communities.
The key population Safety App is designed to create a safer and more inclusive environment for individuals who face the risk of violence or discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. With its innovative features and potential for further development, the application is poised to be a valuable tool in supporting and empowering key populations.