Dear Reader,
We are pleased to share with you the 18th edition of the HRAPF Spotlight Newsletter, highlighting key moments from our work during the second quarter of 2025 (April-June).
Throughout this period, HRAPF remained steadfast in its mission to advance human rights through our core programmes: Access to Justice, the Center on Law and Marginalisation, Health Rights and Community Outreach.
In this edition, we present notable achievements across our programmes and report on the progress made in advancing the rights of marginalised communities.
We hope you find these updates both informative and inspiring.
Happy reading!
ACCESS TO JUSTICE
LEGAL AID SERVICE PROVISION
HRAPF continues to provide free legal aid services to sex workers, people who use and inject drugs (PWUIDs), LGBT+ persons, Intersex persons, survivors of gender-based violence in refugee settlements, women, girls, and health workers in conflict with abortion laws, elderly and indigent persons with land justice issues, and women and girls living with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS.
During the second quarter of 2025, HRAPF handled a total of 495 cases, benefitting 698 persons. Of these;
- 221 cases involved sex workers benefitting 253 persons
- 180 cases involved LGBT+ persons benefitting 242 persons
- 94 cases involved PWUIDs benefiting 203 persons.
Out of the total cases;
- 217 cases were handled by the HRAPF trained community paralegals under the supervision of HRAPF lawyers.
- 155 cases were handled by lawyers at the main legal aid clinic.
- 109 cases were handled at the regional legal aid centers.
- 14 cases were handled through the specialised legal aid desks for TGNC persons and intersex persons.
The interventions conducted while offering legal services to the clients included; legal representation, police follow-ups, mediations, legal drafting, legal counselling and guidance.
DOCUMENTATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
During the second quarter, all the cases handled were properly documented and 61 incidents of human rights violations were recorded.
Of these, 45 were committed against LGBTI persons, 14 against sex workers and 2 against PWUIDs. The violations primarily took the form of prolonged detentions, arbitrary arrests, discrimination and inhumane and degrading treatment. Perpetrators were mainly law enforcement officers, community leaders, clients to the sex workers and client’s landlords.
UPDATE ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION SINCE THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ANTI-HOMOSEXUALITY ACT, 2023 (AHA)
This quarter marked two years since the enactment of the Anti- Homosexuality Act 2023. Despite the significant challenges paused by this law, HRAPF remained committed to supporting the LGBT community by providing specialised legal aid, emergency relocation and medical support.
In April 2025, HRAPF recorded 56 cases, reflecting an increase from the 49 cases reported in March 2025. Of these, 17 cases (30.6%) involved violations targeting individuals based on their Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE), affecting a total of 22 persons. Among the SOGIE-related cases, 8 were evictions where individuals were forced out of their homes due to their perceived or actual SOGIE; 6 involved incidents of actual physical violence or threats of violence, and 3 cases were arrests based on the victims’ real or perceived sexuality.
In May 2025, HRAPF handled a total of 51 cases, marking a slight decrease from 56 cases reported in April. Of these, 16 cases (31.3%) involved individuals targeted for negative treatment based on their real or presumed SOGIE, down from 17 such cases the previous month. These violations affected 19 persons, compared to 22 in April. Among the 16 SOGIE-based cases, 9 involved evictions, 4 involved incidents of physical violence and 3 were arrests linked to the individuals’ actual or perceived SOGIE.
In June 2025, HRAPF handled a total of 57 cases, reflecting a slight increase from 51 cases recorded in May. Of these, 19 cases (38.0%) involved individuals targeted for negative treatment based on their real or presumed SOGIE, up from 16 such cases in May. These violations affected 60 persons, more than triple the 19 persons affected in the previous month. Among the 19 SOGIE-related cases, 7 involved evictions, 6 were arrests related to sexual orientation or gender identity, 5 cases involved violence and threats of violence against victims due to their actual or presumed SOGIE while 1 case concerned the confiscation of the client’s property due to their SOGIE.
LINKS TO THE FULL REPORTS BELOW
CENTER ON LAW AND MARGINALISATION
STRATEGIC LITIGATION
During the reporting period, HRAPF engaged in significant strategic litigation efforts, particularly around Supreme Court Constitutional Appeal No. 007 of 2024, arising from consolidated Constitutional Petitions Nos. 14, 15, 16, and 85 of 2023 challenging the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023. The appeal was officially filed on 11th July 2024, and two legal strategizing meetings on the case were conducted during the second quarter. Final conferencing notes for the case, Hon. Fox Odoi & 21 Others vs. Attorney General & 3 Others, were submitted on 15th April 2025.
HRAPF also followed up on other ongoing strategic cases;
- In the Nimrod Muhumuza & Others vs. Attorney General (Reference No. 29 of 2023) case, final scheduling notes were filed on 12th April 2025, despite no input from the Attorney General. Additionally, three preparatory meetings were held with Amnesty International regarding their draft amicus application.
- In the Mukiibi & 20 Others vs. Hajji Abdul Kiyimba case, a court follow-up revealed that the memorandum of appeal had not yet been filed. A client meeting was also held to provide a case status update.
- In the Constitutional Petition No. 25 of 2020 (HRAPF vs AG), consolidated with Petition No. 20 of 2018 (CEHURD vs AG), a follow-up confirmed that judgment will be delivered on notice.
THE HEALTH RIGHTS PROGRAMME
TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR JOURNALISTS
During the quarter, HRAPF conducted one training for journalists from 15th to 16th April 2025, engaging 15 journalists from various media houses. The training focused on human rights, marginalisation, ethical reporting on vulnerable groups, and the role of media in promoting social justice.
WORKSHOPS WITH OFFICERS FROM UGANDA PRISONS
As part of efforts to enhance access to stigma-free HIV services for key populations in prison settings, HRAPF conducted one workshop for officers from the Uganda Prisons Service. The workshop took place on 24th April 2025 in Arua District and was attended by 23 prison officers from various prisons across the West Nile region.
WORKSHOPS WITH POLICE OFFICERS
One training workshops were conducted with police officers on marginalisation and a human rights based approach in law enforcement. The training was conducted on 16th April 2025 and it reached out to 25 police officers.
WORKSHOPS WITH HEALTH WORKERS
HRAPF conducted six training workshops for health workers during the reporting period. These sessions focused on enhancing participants’ understanding of KP issues, the concepts of marginalisation and human rights and the importance of ensuring access to stigma-free health services for Key Populations.
The trainings were conducted as follows;
- In Mbale on 21st May 2025 attended by 24 health workers.
- In Tororo on 22nd May 2025 attended 28 health workers.
- In Ibanda on 28th May 2025 attended by 29 health workers.
- In Mbarara on 29th May 2025 attended by 25 health workers.
- In Kampala on 4th June 2025 attended by 26 health workers.
- In Bushenyi on 25th June 2025 attended by 29 health workers.
An additional training on the legal and policy framework on abortion in Uganda was conducted on 27th June 2025 in Bugiri district, with 26 health workers in attendance.
CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENTS WITH COMMUNITIES
During the period, four training workshops on climate change and SRHR for marginalised persons were conducted with health workers as follows;
- In Kampala district on 27th May 2025 with 30 health workers.
- In Soroti district on 29th May 2025 with 31 health workers.
- In Lira district on 30th May 2025 with 30 health workers.
- In Mbale district on 5th June 2025 with 27 health workers.
STAKEHOLDER DIALOGUES ON THE RIGHTS OF KPS
HRAPF conducted two stakeholder dialogues aimed at fostering understanding and collaboration among key community actors on the rights, safety, and well-being of sex workers and other Key Populations. The dialogues brought together local council leaders, police officers, brothel managers, and sex workers to discuss human rights, legal protections, and community-based strategies to reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence.
These were conducted as follows;
- In Kamuli on 8th April 2025 attended by 25 participants.
- In Kasangati on 26th May 2025 attended by 25 participants.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENTS
HRAPF participated in meetings with the Danish Embassy and partners from the Danish Family Planning Association (DFPA) to reflect on the gains made during the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), with a focus on the status of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) and HIV in Uganda. The discussions centered on progress, challenges, and opportunities for advancing SRHR and HIV-related interventions in the country.
THE COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMME
LEGAL AND HUMAN RIGHTS AWARENESS FOR MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES
LEGAL AID CAMPS
During the period, one legal aid camp with PWUIDs was conducted on 29th April 2025 in Jinja reaching out to 20 persons.
AWARENESS SESSIONS WITH KPs
During the period, HRPAF held five awareness sessions with sex workers on the legal and policy framework governing their rights. These sessions were as follows;
- On 27th May 2025 reaching out to with 23 persons in Kampala.
- On 28th May 2025 with 20 urban refugees in Bwaise.
- On 4th June 2025 reaching out to 18 persons in Jinja district.
- On 5th June 2025 reaching out to 14 persons in Soroti district.
- On 6th June 2025 reaching out to 20 persons in Lira district.
During the second quarter, HRAPF conducted one awareness session with 22 sex workers in Kigangaizi on 13th May 2025.
AWARENESS SESSIONS WITH AGYW
During the reporting period, HRAPF conducted three awareness sessions with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) on the legal and policy framework on abortion in Uganda and general SRHR issues affecting them.
The awareness sessions were conducted as follows;
- In Bugiri district on 10th June 2025 attended by 44 participants.
- In Namayingo district on 11th July 2025 attended by 53 participants.
- In Mayuge district on 12th July 2025 attended by 20 participants.
OTHER ENGAGEMENTS WITH MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES
During the reporting period, HRAPF conducted several other community focused meetings and trainings aimed at strengthening safety, resilience and access to essential services for marginalized groups;
- Two meetings on safety and security with members from the KP shelters were held on 25th April 2025 and 26th April, attended by 23 and 14 persons respectively. These meetings focused on strategies to enhance personal and collective safety in response to increasing risks faced by KPs.
- One bi-annual meeting with 19 human rights community monitors was conducted on 27th June 2025, providing to review monitoring activities, share experiences, and strengthen coordination.
- In an effort to build the resilience of marginalised communities to adapt to climate relaed disruptions, HRAPF conducted a training workshop 37 sex workers from Bwaise and Kalerwe. This session focused on climate change and its impact on SRHR for sex workers, including access to legal and mental health services during climate crises.
COMMUNITY PARALEGAL TRAINING PROGRAMME
PARALEGAL TRAININGS
HRAPF continued its efforts to empower marginalized communities by training peer leaders as community paralegals, equipping them with knowledge and tools to promote and defend human rights and access to justice at grassroot level.
During the second quarter of 2025;
- The 2nd and 3rd modules of the community paralegal training programme for LBQ women were conducted from 28th April to 2nd May 2025 and from 23th to 27th June 2025. Upon completion, they were awarded certificates.
- Additionally, two modules were conducted for 10 peers from the sex worker community from 5th to 9th May 2025 and from 30th June to 4th July 2025. All participants completed the paralegal training and were awarded certificates.
These trainings are part of HRAPF’s broader initiative to strengthen community led access to justice and human rights protection.
PARALEGAL SHARING SESSIONS
HRAPF routinely monitors and supports the work of community paralegals through quarterly paralegal sharing sessions, which provide a platform for peer learning, experience sharing and coordination among paralegals servicing various KP communities.
During the second quarter of 2025, four regional paralegal sharing sessions were conducted, all held on 30th June 2025.
SUPPORT TO PARALEGALS TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES
During the reporting period, HRAPF continued to support one community paralegal to pursue their degree in Law at Cavendish University.
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT TO KEY POPULATION ORGANISATIONS
During the quarter, HRAPF supported one organisation to register as a company, and supported seven other organisations to file annual returns for 2024. Four organisations were also supported to file 6 resolutions on various matters.
We also made site visits to 6 crisis shelters for KPs in the quarter.
Credits:
Created with images by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - "top view of colorful handprint on white for World Autism Awareness Day" • MQ-Illustrations - "Paralegal. Close-up of a Lady Justice statue. Law and lawyer symbol. Figure stands in front of paper with text."