Leading the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

We’ve spent 9 years creating the most powerful movement for equality our country has ever seen. But despite this progress, our most marginalized are still suffering from violence, discrimination and fear. Our goal is to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, and particularly those of us who are trans, people of color and HIV+, are treated as full and equal citizens within our movement, across our country and around the world.

OUR LEADERSHIP

OUR SUPPORTERS

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Our Background

Let’s Walk Uganda is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of marginalized individuals, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, in Uganda. Through advocacy, support, and empowerment, we strive to create a society where all people are treated with equality, respect, and dignity. Our mission is to provide a safe and inclusive environment, foster social change, and promote equal opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals, as we work towards a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or persecution.

LWU By the Numbers

We’ve built our political power by investing in a grassroots army with members in every zip code in Uganda.

100k+

Members and supporters nationwide

2 mil+

LWU's digital reach across all platforms

8+

Years of tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ equality

Who we are

Let’s Walk Uganda is a Human rights LGBTQ+ Organization in Uganda, established in 2015 and registered in 2016 with the mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of marginalized individuals, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Since its inception, the organization has exhibited remarkable growth, evolving into a beacon of hope and progress for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda.

Under the authentic and visionary leadership of its founders, LWU has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering an inclusive society through its grassroots initiatives. From its early stages, LWU has been at the forefront of the struggle for equality, respect, and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. The organization’s impact has been felt through its pioneering efforts, such as the establishment of the first openly queer shelter in the country, providing a vital safe space for those in need.

Through its youth-centric approach, LWU has effectively engaged and empowered young people, nurturing the next generation of leaders and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights. Our progressive trajectory and unwavering dedication have positioned us as a trailblazer in the fight for equal opportunities and social acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. With an open and transparent leadership, we have garnered trust and support from local and international communities amplifying its impact and influence. Our journey is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots activism and the potential for positive change when driven by genuine passion and unwavering commitment.

Our Mission

Our Vision

A Uganda where LGBTQ+ individuals live Justly, Equally, and Freely, their human rights fully upheld without discrimination, and fostering a society that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Why LWU

Right from inception, Let’s Walk Uganda has been at the forefront of the struggle for equality, respect, and justice for LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda. The organization’s impact has been felt through its pioneering efforts, such as the establishment of the first openly queer shelter in the country, providing a vital safe space for those in need. Through its youth-centric approach, Let’s Walk Uganda has effectively engaged and empowered young people, nurturing the next generation of leaders and advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

our objectives

To expand access to shelter and welfare services for LGBTQ+ individuals by establishing additional safe spaces and resource centers across Uganda, providing temporary housing, counselling, and basic needs support through our emergency support initiatives.
To strengthen legal aid and support services for LGBTQ+ people through a team of pro-bono legal professionals and providing legal knowledge , representation, and advocacy to address discrimination, harassment, and human rights violations.
To advocate for policy reforms and legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights in Uganda by engaging with government officials, legal bodies, funders and community leaders to promote inclusive laws, anti-discrimination policies, and equal access to healthcare, education and other services.
To foster inclusive engagement and collaboration with other organizations, including those with similar objectives and general community organizations, to amplify advocacy efforts, share resources, and promote intersectional approaches to addressing social justice issues and community acceptance.
To develop and implement comprehensive sensitization programs and awareness campaigns to promote acceptance, understanding, and tolerance of LGBTQ+ individuals within Ugandan society, including local communities.
To promote and conduct research and data collection to gather evidence-based information on the experiences, challenges, and needs of LGBTQ+ people in Uganda, informing advocacy efforts, policy development, and program planning.
To provide comprehensive support services for LGBTQ+ youth, including mentorship programs, mental health support, and educational opportunities to empower and uplift the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders.
To collaborate with healthcare providers and organizations to improve access to LGBTQ+ affirmative healthcare services, including HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, mental health support, and gender-affirming care.
To empower LGBTQ+ individuals through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and economic empowerment initiatives to enhance their financial independence and resilience in the face of discrimination and social exclusion.
To establish strategic partnerships with local and international human rights organizations, diplomatic missions, and global LGBTQ+ networks to leverage both local and external support, expertise, and solidarity in advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ people in Uganda.

OUR TEAM

Edward Mutebi

Executive Director

Edward Mutebi is a distinguished LGBTIQ+ human rights activist and the visionary founder of several key initiatives that have significantly impacted both Uganda and Germany. As a founding member of Pen-Berlin and the executive director of the human rights news blog "The World is Watching International," Edward has consistently championed the rights and dignity of marginalized communities. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Social Work and Human Rights at Alice Salomon University in Berlin, Edward continues his advocacy with unwavering dedication.

In Uganda, Edward was instrumental in pioneering an organization that established the country's first safe housing project for LGBTIQ+ homeless youth, providing critical support and shelter to those most vulnerable. His relentless commitment to equality and justice did not wane upon relocating to Germany, where he has been actively involved in numerous human rights campaigns in collaboration with key organizations. Edward's writing has also reached prominent German news agencies, amplifying his voice in the fight for human rights.

Edward's activism transcends borders, as he remains deeply committed to advocating for the LGBTIQ+ community in Uganda and across Africa. He continues to inspire hope and push for change, guided by his unwavering belief in "Human Rights for All." His dedication to democracy, democratic governance, and human rights is as strong in his new home of Germany as it was in Uganda, reflecting his enduring passion for justice and equality on a global scale.

Kimera Derrick

Programs Director

Kimera Derrick, a dedicated human rights activist and proud gay man born on June 25, 1998, currently serves as the Programs Director at Let's Walk Uganda. His journey in the organization began as the Director of Programming, where he demonstrated remarkable leadership and passion, eventually rising to the role of Executive Director before his recent appointment. Driven by a deep commitment to the well-being of LGBT+ adolescents in Uganda, Kimera founded the Youth Empowerment Society (YES Uganda), an umbrella group that unites various youth-based organizations to support the younger generation in rural Uganda.

Under Kimera’s visionary leadership, he successfully secured funding to establish the first and only LGBT+ shelter in the Masaka region, encompassing seven districts. His innovative approach to increasing access to justice involved launching numerous economic empowerment initiatives aimed at improving the lives of rural teenagers. His efforts were recognized by the mayor of Masaka City, who appointed him as the city youth representative on the mayor's governing committee in 2021. Additionally, Kimera was elected to lead all youth, orphanages, and organizations supporting people with disabilities in Masaka City and District for a five-year term (2021-2026).

Despite operating in one of the most homophobic countries in the world, Kimera remains unwavering in his advocacy for LGBT+ rights in Uganda. His resilience in the face of harassment, abuse, and raids is a testament to his dedication. Through his activism and innovative programming, he aspires to improve the lives of at least 40% of Uganda's LGBT+ population, with a vision of bringing peace and acceptance to LGBT+ communities not only in Uganda but across the globe.