URGENT APPEAL FOR LGTBQ REFUGEES IN UGANDA

Urgent appeal – funds for renting of safe space for LGBTQs and sex workers in Uganda

Angels Refugee Support Group Association (ARSGA) was established by a proactive group of young refugees who have fled persecutions due to their sexual orientation in their respective countries of origin (Burundi, Rwanda and DRC) towards the republic of Uganda where they hoped to find greater safety and freedom. However, homosexuality is illegal in Uganda and they are faced with new challenges - arbitrary arrests, discrimination, corrective rape, kidnapping, robbery, stigma, homophobia, harassment and bullying.

These challenges have greatly marginalized these young people and rendered them outcasts, isolated from their family, community and society.

ARSGA identified more than 200 LGBTQ refugees living in the capital, Kampala, and refugee camps in various locations around Uganda. The organization provides the refugees with services depending on their unique situations. At this moment, approximately 20 individuals are in imminent danger and are currently sheltering in a safe space within an office building, where conditions and safety are far from perfect. However, due to of fundraising challenges and extremely low cash flow, the organization currently owes a full year of back-rent for this office space. Because of this, the organization and the 20 residents are threatened with immediate eviction. The loss of this safe shelter will place these individuals in extreme danger!

ARSGA is urgently working to re-organize, with the goal of improving its economic situation quickly, allowing them to move to a better, more secure space and provide many more services to the people in need. However, this will take time. We must ensure that this current critical situation will not hurt the LGBTQ members whose lives depend on this safe space.

Funding of 2400€ will allow ARSGA to pay their debt and continue protecting the people who’s lives depend on having a safe shelter and assistance from the organization, while giving the organization the time it needs to improve its financial and organizational situation.