UmojaPride Questions and answers
The questions we are asked most often, answered plainly. If yours is not here, contact us.
What is UmojaPride?
UmojaPride is an independent, community-led LGBTQ+ organisation working in Uganda. We give practical help to people who have lost their homes, income or safety because of who they are, and we publish evidence that challenges the myths behind Uganda's anti-gay law.
The idea began in 2018 with grassroots work in Uganda, and UmojaPride launched in 2025. It was founded by John Ivan Kisekka and Daniel Lugobwa. More about us.
Where are you based?
Our founders are based in the UK, and all of our support goes to LGBTQ+ people in Uganda, through trusted allies and volunteers. For everyone's safety, we do not publish the locations of the people we support or of the places they stay.
Who funds UmojaPride?
UmojaPride is funded by its founders. Donations let us help more people, and they go to practical support: emergency housing, counselling, courses and safety training. Ways to give.
What help can I get?
- Temporary, discreet housing through trusted allies, and help with rent if you are at risk of eviction.
- Private access to counselling.
- Courses and skills training, and help looking for work. We cannot guarantee a job.
- Small grants and mentoring for small businesses.
- Free safety guides on digital security, money, housing and emergencies.
- Referrals to specialist organisations for legal aid, health care and asylum.
What we can offer depends on our budget each month. See our programmes.
How do you decide who gets help?
By need, starting with the most urgent: safety first, then shelter, health, food, and then income and education. We usually help with one need at a time and agree the next steps with you. We check every request carefully, and we pay landlords, clinics and schools directly wherever we can. When the month's budget has been spent, we put requests on a waiting list for the following month and point you to other organisations in the meantime.
Can you help me leave Uganda?
No. We cannot arrange travel, visas, asylum or relocation to another country, and we do not have the resources to do so. Rainbow Railroad handles requests for emergency relocation, although it cannot help everyone who asks. Be very careful of anyone who promises to get you abroad in exchange for a fee.
Do you charge for help?
No. We never ask for a fee, and we never ask for your passwords, PINs or mobile money details. If someone claiming to represent UmojaPride asks you for money, it is a scam. Check with us directly through our contact page.
Can you give me legal help?
We are not a law firm and cannot represent you. The Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum (HRAPF) provides legal aid to LGBTQ+ people in Uganda: +256 414 530683, [email protected]. Asylum seekers and refugees in Uganda can also contact the Refugee Law Project.
Is it safe to contact you?
This website has no forms, so nothing you write is stored on it. Our contact page explains each way of reaching us. If someone else may check your phone, delete the conversation when you have finished and clear this site from your browser history. You do not have to give your real name. "Leave this site" at the top of every page, or pressing Esc twice, takes you straight to a Google search.
What happens to my information?
We keep as little information as we need to help you, and we never share it without your consent. We never publish the names, faces or locations of the people we support. Our privacy policy explains how this website handles data.
Can I volunteer anonymously?
Yes. Everyone who helps us can do so under an alias, and your legal identity is never made public. See how to get involved.