Probono Publico draws inspiration from the works of other civil society organizations such as the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum- Uganda (HRAPF), The Most At Risk Populations (MARPs) Network (Uganda), Legal Aid Society -US (LAS) Probono Publico is a Non-profit organization that was registered in 2017 with the primary purpose of providing legal aid, health services, psycho -social suppo
rt to Key Populations. Key Populations is an umbrella of vulnerable people who are at high risk of acquiring HIV they include MSM (males who have s*x with males), S*x Workers, Prison Inmates, Uniformed service personnel, Truck Drivers, boda-boda, taxi men and others. Current statistics show HIV prevalence among the key population is higher than the national prevalence of 7.1%, - men who have s*x with men ( MSM -137%), s*x workers (35- 37%), fisher folk (22-29%), long distance truck drivers (25%) , uniformed services personnel (18.2%) , prison inmates (11%). The key population have limited information on available services, for example MSM do not have all the information about available specialized HIV services by institutions like Most At Risk Population Initiative (MARPI) and Most At Risk Populations-Network (MARPs-Network), we therefore commit to exploit our expansive networks particularly among MSM to ensure that every individual is sensitized about the availability of these services. discrimination, marginalization, stigma. The introduction of the Anti- Homos*xuality Act (here in after referred to as AHA) fueled widespread violations and abuses of human rights of LGBT Ugandans. It inflamed a climate of homophobia as LGBT people rather than the government were to blame for the resulting global outrage and cutbacks in foreign aid. Attacks included cases of mob justice , Adrian Juuko – the Executive Director of HRAPF noted that before the anti-LGBT law , mob violence was rare but become common place after the coming after the AHA in 2015, fortunately the Anti Homo s*xuality Act that was enacted in 2014 was declared unconstitutional on a technicality of lack of quorum during its enactment in parliament, however this “default” success shouldn’t lead to a complacent attitude among defenders of the rights of s*xual minorities, for instance on 17th September 2017 , the annual “ PRIDE EVENT” that was organized by the LGBT community to fraternize with partners ( including Probono Publico), sponsors and friendly foreign diplomats was cancelled by the homophobic Minister of Ethics and integrity – Father Simon Lokodo who also issued threats of arrest to the organizes and invitees . In the light of the above violations and challenges, Probono Publico hereby commits to use all available means, that include but may not be limited to public interest litigation, open debate, sensitization and dissemination of the gospel of tolerance and empathy towards the LGBT community through social and conventional media to redress the said challenges and violations . We therefore invite all like minded individuals , organizations and agencies that share common values with us to join hands and find practical solutions to the highlighted plight of Key populations.
