Written by: Geeya Patel
Uganda
Uganda, a country often referred to as the Pearl of Africa, due to the beautiful landscapes and great experiences with wildlife, experiences that create memories for people traveling from all around the world. There is another Uganda, however, rife with struggles where activists are fighting the state-led LGBT+ discrimination, marginalization of refugees, increased gender-based violence, and the nation’s inability to provide proper birth justice and reproductive justice to its population.
Working with the Global Foundation for Girls (GFG), Ugandan youth, gender-expansive folks, women and girls, and refugees are given the opportunity to fight for their rights, supplied with knowledge and tools gained through hands-on experiences; which they can then use to help their communities, as well as the surrounding areas. Support from GFG will give the individuals the opportunity to do the grassroots work on the ground; supplied with the necessary resources and skills, they are equipped to advance the movement to end discrimination and violence, and to promote proper birthing justice.
LGBT+ Discrimination
The Ugandan parliament passed an anti-LGBT+ legislative bill on March 21st, 2023 which marginalized a large majority of the population. These people are now at risk of facing imprisonment and the death penalty for being queer. The bill has been cited as a violation of human rights by a group of UN and ICC experts who view it as a violation of Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Uganda has also pushed for continuous marginalization of the group, encouraging acts of violence and discrimination through state-led media, while employing state-run forces – police and prisons- to detain and deter the LGBT+ activists and organizations who are trying to combat the harsh violation, in order to subdue resistance for the bill. The Ugandan government must stop propelling cultural differences as a reason to discriminate against the LGBT+ community. It is a human rights violation to kill individuals based on their identity.
Refugees
Uganda has approximately 1.5 million refugees who are seeking support after being displaced by conflict, war, or poverty in their nations. There has been an increase in discrimination faced by the refugees when they do not speak the language or have similar physical features to the native population. This marginalization is evidenced by increased housing prices for refugees, lack of public housing, and no local government interventions in such situations. Refugees who identify as LGBT+ face greater marginalization due to the pre-exisitng anti-LGBT+ legislation, resulting in fearfulness around accepting or receiving aid. Further, the system of marginalization puts them at a disadvantage as they try to rebuild the lives and safety that they have left behind. Direct action and support in refugee communities, to help them meet their needs, is crucial.
Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is present throughout Ugandan society. Approximately 95% of Uganda women and girls have reported facing physical or sexual abuse from their partners or non-partner, starting from as early as the age of 15. The increase in gender-based violence is rooted in factors such as alcoholism, early marriages, limited counseling, peer pressure, drug abuse, and patriarchal norms that are placed upon the individuals. More than a decade ago, the Ugandan government passed the Domestic Violence Act of 2010; however, implementation has not been a priority and there has been little change to ensure protection of women and girls; thus, the government must work on compiling resources and materials to advocate for the cause. The community must also place pressure on their local governments to advocate for safety initiatives. Gender-based violence not only harms the victims externally and physically; it causes them to be harmed internally – social, emotional and mental health is impacted by the cultural norms of a society that accepts gender-based violence as a commonality. It is crucial that this ideology within Ugandan society be changed if they hope to advance in the global economy; a society that is sanguine while half the population is routinely harmed will not be welcomed by business or neighboring governments that view the unchallenged social norm of gender-based violence as a human rights violation.
Birth Justice/Reproductive Rights
Health rights activists have spent years advocating for prioritization of advanced and hygienic birthing options in Ugandan government facilities, and increases in the available resources for reproductive healthcare; improvements that will address the alarming increase in maternal and infant deaths. The country spends about 6% of the total national budget on healthcare despite having signed the Abuja declaration which requires governments to spend at least 15% of their national budget on healthcare. The resultant impacts of this spending limitation are shortages or shortcomings of services provided to birthing persons and those seeking reproductive care, and the heightened likelihood of death during the birthing process for both child and parent. Uganda government leaders must take notice of the outcomes of current fiscal policies and take action on the court ruling directing an increase in maternal healthcare spending.
How to Help
Global Foundation for Girls is committed to creating a plethora of opportunities for the targeted individuals who are struggling in Uganda; our goal is to provide the resources and support necessary to ensure people in marginalized communities can be self-sufficient. GFG plans to collaborate with partner organizations in the region to provide informational sessions regarding discriminated groups, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the facts, through access to sources beyond state-led media. GFG will also encourage Ugandan youth to participate actively in social service fields within their communities, in partnership with a diverse, globally-based organization. For birthing and LGBT+ persons within the community, GFG is working to provide economic opportunities by fueling small businesses that employ local residents. GFG will build these community, organizational, and individual partnerships with your support. Together, we can take action to fight injustice in Uganda.