2019 — Upendo Rights Advocacy Initiative – Malaba (URAI) Founded, Uganda

2019 — Upendo Rights Advocacy Initiative – Malaba (URAI) Founded, Uganda

Founded in 2019, Upendo Rights Advocacy Initiative – Malaba (URAI), is non-governmental organisation that serves the rural Ugandan community of LBQ women, intersex, gender non-conforming and other gender diverse persons. URAI was founded against the background of no services for LGBTI persons in Malaba and the perception that the LGBTI community is urban based. Yet LGBTI, people live in all contexts, including small towns and rural areas. LGBTI people in rural contexts experience unique and diverse challenges, with distinctive human rights, livelihood and healthcare needs that receive little attention at the national level, even with the considerable work that has already been done on LGBTI human rights, livelihoods and health situations in urban areas. Upendo was registered limited by guarantee in November 2021.

Mission

To represent, mobilise and empower communities of rural LBQ women, intersex, gender non-conforming and other gender diverse individuals through advocacy, inclusiveness, creating solidarity, and promoting leadership. URAI does this work through wellness and livelihood programmes, and advocacy initiatives to engage different stakeholders on the issues that these rural communities face.

Objectives

  • Advocate for policy changes to protect rural LBQ women, intersex, gender non-conforming and other gender diverse individuals.
  • Mobilise rural LGBTI communities through workshops, campaigns, and alliances. 
  • Empower LGBTI individuals with skills training and resources for self-advocacy. 
  • Foster inclusiveness and solidarity within rural communities. 
  • Promote leadership among LGBTI individuals in rural areas. ⁠
  • Address unique challenges through research and targeted programmes.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to improve services and support for rural LGBTI communities.

Contact

Email: amollocarol59@gmail.com
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