Ugandan advocacy groups step up fight against mpox
January 22, 2025
As mpox cases surge in Uganda, LGBTQ rights organizations are raising alarms over its disproportionate impact on queer communities, especially in semi-urban areas. The Uganda Key Populations Consortium (UKPC), working with the Health Ministry and WHO, warns that stigma and discrimination are deterring individuals from seeking care, exacerbating the crisis. Uganda has reported 2,127 cases and 12 deaths, with Kampala as the epicenter. UKPC and its partners are integrating mpox response with HIV care, launching tailored health surveys, and combating misinformation. Despite a challenging homophobic climate, proactive efforts by LGBTQ organizations are empowering marginalized communities with education and support.
Uganda’s mpox outbreak is disproportionately affecting queer communities, with LGBTQ rights organizations warning of the crisis’s escalation due to stigma and discrimination. The Uganda Key Populations Consortium (UKPC), in collaboration with the Health Ministry, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and WHO, reports that semi-urban queer populations, particularly men who have sex with men and sex workers, face heightened risks. Kampala leads in infection rates, with 45 cases per 100,000 people, contributing to the country’s total of 2,127 cases and 12 deaths. Transmission is primarily through close physical contact, with people aged 20–29 being the most affected group.
UKPC has initiated a multi-faceted response, integrating mpox prevention with existing HIV care strategies, launching health surveys, and addressing knowledge gaps within queer communities. This data-driven approach aims to develop inclusive and equitable interventions while combating privacy concerns and the impact of Uganda’s anti-homosexuality laws, which hinder reporting and treatment access.
John Grace, coordinator for the Uganda Minority Shelters Consortium, highlights that homophobia continues to undermine healthcare collaboration, with some providers showing limited sensitivity to LGBTQ-specific needs. Nonetheless, LGBTQ organizations are leading grassroots efforts to disseminate accurate information, promote safer sex practices, and advocate for marginalized voices.
UKPC Director General Richard Lusimbo emphasizes the urgent need for an inclusive approach to ensure the health and dignity of all Ugandans. He notes that the mpox crisis provides an opportunity for advocacy and systemic change, addressing not only public health but also human rights concerns.
Despite challenges, LGBTQ organizations remain resolute in their mission, leveraging partnerships and data to combat the outbreak. Their proactive role in tackling stigma and educating at-risk populations is essential in mitigating mpox’s disproportionate impact on Uganda’s queer community, setting a precedent for inclusive public health strategies in crisis response.