The recent suspension of US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID, and Centres for Disease Control (CDC) funding is having a severe impact on NGOs in Uganda, particularly those that operate Drop-in Centers (DiCs).
These centers were established to provide safe access to healthcare (HIV/ Aids and tuberculosis) for LGBTQ individuals, encourage health-seeking behavior within hard-to-reach communities, and mitigate stigma and discrimination in government and some private health facilities.
They achieve this by linking community members to safe public health centers with trained key population coordinators. Many organizations operating these centers are now at risk of closure due to the suspension of USAID funding.
This threatens the health of community members by increasing the likelihood of interruptions in medication, reduced access to prevention services, and overall deterioration in healthcare support. Some organizations have already shut down, while others face staff layoffs, further destabilizing essential services.
Without continued support, the closure of these organizations and staff layoffs will severely limit access to essential healthcare for LGBTQ individuals in Uganda, leading to worsening health outcomes and heightened vulnerabilities.
Meanwhile, the combination of our Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) and the withdrawal of critical international support has left the LGBTQ community increasingly vulnerable.
The law has heightened societal stigma, leading to hostility and denial of services from healthcare providers, further discouraging individuals from seeking care. So, the erosion of support systems not only endangers the health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals but also threatenshe recent suspension of US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), USAID, and Centres for Disease Control (CDC) funding is havinga severe impact on NGOs in Uganda, particularly those that operate Drop-in Centers (DiCs).
These centers were established to provide safe access to healthcare (HIV/ Aids and tuberculosis) for LGBTQ individuals, encourage health-seeking behavior within hard-to-reach communities, and mitigate stigma and discrimination in government and some private health facilities.
They achieve this by linking community members to safe public health centers with trained key population coordinators. Many organizations operating these centers are now at risk of closure due to the suspension of USAID funding.
This threatens the health of community members by increasing the likelihood of interruptions in medication, reduced access to prevention services, and overall deterioration in healthcare support. Some organizations have already shut down, while others face staff layoffs, further destabilizing essential services.
Without continued support, the closure of these organizations and staff layoffs will severely limit access to essential healthcare for LGBTQ individuals in Uganda, leading to worsening health outcomes and heightened vulnerabilities.
Meanwhile, the combination of our Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) and the withdrawal of critical international support has left the LGBTQ community increasingly vulnerable. The law has heightened societal stigma, leading to hostility and denial of services from healthcare providers, further discouraging individuals from seeking care.
So, the erosion of support systems not only endangers the health and well-being of LGBTQ individuals but also threatens to reverse progress in the fight against HIV/Aids in the country. In fact, the suspension of US aid has forced some organizations, particularly those operating drop-in centers, to halt operations after receiving stop-work orders.
As a result, essential health programs have been discontinued, cutting off access to services such as HIV care and treatment, viral load testing, linkage to care, and vital commodities like condoms, lubricants, HIV self-testing kits, PrEP, and PEP.
Therefore, with the cessation of these programs, the risk of increased transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, is much higher now that preventive resources are scarce. But I see this issue in two ways— not only will the LGBTQ community be impacted, but so will other sectors that have relied on this aid, like the ministry of Health, the government, civil society organizations, and many others.
This goes beyond just us, and it’s time we seriously assessed how the community can be supported, especially if we’re committed to achieving the goal of ending HIV/Aids by 2030. Reflecting on these challenging times, we are focusing on continuous lobbying and advocacy to influence policymakers and raise awareness about LGBTQ rights.
We are actively engaging with stakeholders, partners and potential funders to secure the resources needed to sustain our initiatives, especially as international funding has declined due to the current legal climate. We are actively convening LGBTQ district leaders/ activists to assess grassroots challenges and establish safe spaces and support groups for the broader community.
These spaces provide essential psychosocial support, resources and a sense of solidarity, which are crucial for mental health and well-being, especially amid rising stigma and isolation. Research shows that strong community support can significantly reduce the mental health burdens faced by marginalized groups.
To expand our reach, we are strengthening digital advocacy through online platforms that enable broader engagement with the global movement. This includes actively participating in international discussions, virtual conferences, and collaborative initiatives that amplify the voices of the LGBTQ community globally.
Social media campaigns, virtual workshops, and digital storytelling have proven highly effective in raising awareness and mobilizing support. Platforms like X and Instagram have been particularly instrumental in connecting activists, allies, and supporters across borders, fostering a sense of community even in the face of adversity.
By leveraging these digital tools, we aim to not only inform and engage but also build strategic partnerships that drive meaningful action and support for LGBTQ rights in Uganda. On a positive note, the international community, including donor organizations and human rights groups, has raised serious concerns about the US suspension of foreign aid.
From my interactions, donor organizations and human rights groups are exploring ways to lessen the impact of the US aid suspension. Organizations like UNAIDS and the Global Fund are working to mobilize resources from other countries and the private sector to compensate for the loss of PEPFAR, USAID, and CDC funding in Uganda.
However, there is currently little information on concrete plans to bridge the funding gap. The situation remains uncertain, and stakeholders are still evaluating the best strategies to support affected communities.
The author is a human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize nominee
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