SERVICES
LEGAL DESK
Let’s Walk Uganda Legal Desk was established in response to the urgent need for legal support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. In 2023, facing the detrimental impact of the Anti- Homosexuality Act Law, Let’s Walk Uganda recognized the escalating human rights violations and abuses faced by LGBTQ+ individuals across the country. With a commitment to promoting equality, respect, justice, and equal opportunities for marginalized communities, the organization expanded its efforts by founding the Legal Desk.
The Legal Desk aims to provide essential legal support, guidance, and representation to LGBTQ+ individuals who have faced discrimination, violence, and persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. By leveraging legal expertise and advocacy, the desk strives to challenge discriminatory laws and policies, seek justice for victims of human rights violations, and raise awareness about the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. Furthermore, the Legal Desk works to collaborate with legal professionals, human rights organizations, and governmental bodies to foster a more inclusive and just society for all.
Through its steadfast dedication and unwavering commitment, Let’s Walk Uganda Legal Desk stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their fundamental rights and striving to create a more equitable and accepting environment within Uganda.
VISION
OBJECTIVES
Legal Assistance and Representation: The primary objective of the legal desk is to provide legalassistance and representation to LGBTQ+ individuals who have experienced discrimination,harassment, or violence based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes providinglegal advice, filing lawsuits, and representing clients in court.
Advocacy and Policy Reform: The legal desk aims to advocate for policy reform and legal changes that will protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. This involves working with lawmakers, government officials, and other stakeholders to promote the repeal of discriminatory laws and the implementation of new laws that protect the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
Documentation and Reporting: Another objective of the legal desk is to document and report human rights violations and abuses against LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. This includes collecting evidence, documenting cases, and reporting violations to relevant authorities and international human rights organizations.
Community Education and Empowerment: The legal desk seeks to empower the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda by providing education on legal rights, self-advocacy, and legal procedures. This includes conducting workshops, training sessions, and outreach programs to inform community members about their rights and how to access legal support.
Collaboration and Networking: The legal desk aims to collaborate with other human rights organizations, legal professionals, and civil society groups to strengthen its impact and create a network of support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. This includes forming partnerships, participating in coalitions, and sharing resources and expertise.
Mission
Core Values
- Equality and Justice
- Human Dignity
- Empowerment
- Non-Discrimination
- Collaboration
Access to Justice Unit
Legal Aid Services
Referral Services
re-imaging uganda
The genesis of the Convening Reimagining Uganda project stems from a series of insightful engagements with community members, leaders, organizations, allies, experts across diverse fields, and academics. These interactions unfolded on Twitter Spaces and individual bases, gaining momentum during and post the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023. The project’s inception was catalyzed by a collective reflection within the LGBTQ community, recognizing a critical need for a proactive approach to address the challenges it faces.
A poignant realization emerged from this introspection – that the LGBTQ community in Uganda had predominantly operated as a reactionary movement, responding to challenges as they arose rather than proactively strategizing for the transformative change they rightfully deserve. Notably, incidents surrounding the anti- homosexuality movement showcased a pattern of agendas being created, life- threatening bills being proposed, and the LGBTQ community being caught off guard since the annulment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2014.
The consequences were stark – pain, profound suffering, human rights violations,
and panicked responses to egregious atrocities faced by the LGBTQ community in Uganda, especially post the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in 2023. This reality finds corroboration in reports from the SRT and various community organizations such as HRAPF and Let’s Walk Uganda.
A pivotal observation highlighted the imperative for the LGBTQ community to transition from mere reaction to strategic proactivity. Addressing immediate challenges was essential, but equally crucial was the need for a comprehensive strategy to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and prepare community members adequately. The urgency was underscored by the fact that the community faced persistent threats and bills proposed by the anti-gay movement.
Recognizing the significance of preparation, Let’s Walk Uganda took the lead in initiating community dialogues and convening sessions titled “Convening for Reimagining Uganda.” This brought together community members, thinkers, allies, activists, scholars, and organizing experts. The aim was to synergize ideas and devise collective strategies that the diverse LGBTQ community could implement, thus steering a course toward the transformative change they aspire to achieve.
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The main goal of this convening project was to bring together key stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange of ideas on issues affecting the LGBTQ community in Uganda and develop strategies and actions that can lead to the protection and promotion of the human rights of LGBTQ individuals in Uganda.
This project was to be accomplished under 3 specific objectives:
To Create a Think Tank for Public Attitude Change towards the LGBTQ community. This objective aimed is to establish a think tank comprising diverse stakeholders to strategize on changing public attitudes towards the LGBTQIA+ community in Uganda. This think tank will provide a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovative approaches to address the prevailing biases and prejudices.
To Foster Interorganizational Collaboration on Long-Term Advocacy. This objective aimed to facilitate collaboration among LGBTQIA+ organisations, human rights activists, and advocacy groups to strengthen their collective efforts in advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights in Uganda. By fostering collaboration and joint campaigns, the objective seeks to amplify the impact and effectiveness of their advocacy work.
To Build Capacity and Empowerment LGBTQ organizations and the Moment. This objective focused on empowering LGBTQIA+ organizations, activists, and individuals through capacity-building initiatives. By providing training, knowledge, and support, the objective aims to enhance their skills and empower them to actively participate in advocacy, policy development, and public engagement.