Mbarara Rise Foundation (MRF) was founded in 2016 by a group of social activists and educators to advocate for high-quality health services and the fundamental human rights of the LGBTQ community in western Uganda. The team has been documenting violations and responding to gender-based violence and at the same offering support for those facing difficulties, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The lesbians, gay bisexual, transgender and intersex persons/communities (LGBTIQ) have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in rural Uganda and the initiative works actively to support and cover the essential needs of the LGBTIQ communities during the crisis.
Testimonials of the aggravated situation that this vulnerable population is facing during the pandemic are featured in the articles called “COVID-19 Effect Series”. published in Thomson Reuters Foundation news. The series aims to raise awareness and bring visibility to the human rights violations and the challenges faced by LGBTI people and people living with HIV in accessing health services. The series amplifies community voices that have often been unheard in the COVID-19 narratives.
Learn more about the initiative and support here: https://mbarararisefoundation.org/latest-news/