Urgent Release. Statement on the shutdown of Sexual Minorities Uganda operations by the NGO bureau.

Happy Bisexual Visibility Day To every bi person who's been told to pick a side — you don't have to. You're not "half gay." You're whole, exactly as you are. Today and every day: we see you, we love you, you are valid. #BiVisibilityDay #SMUG #SeenLovedValid

X just notified me that my account is legally banned in Türkiye for supporting LGBTQ+ rights. This state censorship is unjust, platforming equality is not a crime. Stand with Türkiye's LGBTQ+ community. 🏳️‍🌈🇹🇷.

Our Executive Director, Frank Mugisha, has received the 2026 Inamori Ethics Prize! Awarded annually since 2008 by the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence at Case Western Reserve University, the prize honors international leaders whose actions have profoundly improved the human condition - leadership rooted not in fame, but in service. Frank now joins a distinguished line of honorees, including fellow African leaders Beatrice Mtetwa of Zimbabwe and Dr. Denis Mukwege of the DRC. This recognition reflects decades of courageous leadership — building the grassroots movement and advancing human rights across our region and beyond. We're proud to celebrate this moment with him.

World Suicide prevention Day No one should have to carry it alone. 🫂🏳️‍🌈 Today, and every day, we choose connection over silence, and community over stigma. Check in on each other. You matter. You are not alone. #WorldSuicidePreventionDay #LGBTQUganda #SMUG #YouAreNotAlone

Netherlands’ Prime Minister Rob Jetten says his first love gave him the courage to come out as gay (EXCLUSIVE) attitude.co.uk/news/rob-jett…

“We do not support criminalisation” — Anglican Archbishop says LGBTQ+ people are not new to Ghana and are loved by God The Primate of West Africa and Bishop of Asante-Mampong, the Most Revd Dr Cyril Kobina Ben-Smith, has said the Anglican Church does not support the criminalisation of gay persons, while maintaining the Church’s traditional teaching on sex and gender. Speaking in an interview with the BBC released on August 14, 2026, Archbishop Ben-Smith said LGBTQ+ people have long been part of Ghanaian society and “have never been a problem.” “Our point in our province is very clear: we do not support the criminalisation of gay persons,” he said. He acknowledged that criminalisation is part of Ghana’s current legal framework but stressed that the Church does not support people being criminalised because of their sexual orientation. “We believe that God created male and female, so the Anglican Church is more traditional, if you like. So we hold on to the traditional view,” he said. At the same time, Archbishop Ben-Smith emphasised that LGBTQ+ people are “all children of God” and that “God loves them.” He also pointed to traditional Ghanaian cultural views on same-sex relationships, saying that these have historically been opposed to homosexuality. However, he noted that LGBTQ+ people are not a new phenomenon in Ghana. “The whole concept of people with LGBT people, it's not new here. They have lived in this country for a long time, and we've lived with them. They've never been a problem,” he said. He reiterated that the Anglican Church’s position is clear: while it maintains its traditional teaching, it does not support the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ people.

In our latest interview, we sit down with activists Hillary @hillarytaylorvi (Uganda) and Ninga (Kenya) to discuss love, liberation, and building a future together as a queer power couple in East Africa. 🏳️‍🌈✨ Read the full conversation here: kuchutimes.substack.com/p/lo…

The beloved singer and humanitarian has championed LGBTQ+ equality her entire career. advocate.com/obituaries/doll…

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Applications are now open for the inaugural Mentorship Masterclass for Leaders and Activists. Are you a leader or activist looking to strengthen your knowledge, build practical skills, and grow your impact? This mentorship masterclass is designed to equip emerging and experienced leaders with the tools, guidance, and peer learning needed to strengthen their work and organizations. Participants will apply to join one of four specialized learning tracks: * Programming * Finance * Communications * Governance Each track offers practical learning, mentorship from experienced professionals, and opportunities to connect with fellow leaders and activists committed to creating change. Spaces are limited. We encourage interested applicants to apply early. Click here to apply: forms.gle/uVuW1ytJTpd6Tk8P6 Invest in your leadership. Build your skills. Strengthen your impact.

The Bishop lived a life that demonstrated the profound difference one person can make when guided by faith and compassion. When LGBTQ+ Ugandans were rejected, criminalized, and vili-fied, Bishop Christopher chose not silence or safety, but love. rustinfund.org/2026/07/23/ho…

bishop christopher senyonjo on lgbtq+ rights in uganda. rest in power bishop ✊🏾🕊️ 🎥 @amnestyusa

Bishop showed us that justice demands courage, conviction, and compassion. His life was a testament to standing with those whose voices are too often ignored. His legacy lives on in all who continue the struggle for equality and human dignity.

My condolences to the family of the most compassionate man of God who ever lived in Uganda.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Bishop Christopher Senyonjo. For many years, Bishop Senyonjo stood with us, offering hope, compassion, courage, and unconditional love. He dedicated his life to serving others especially those who had been marginalized and rejected. His unwavering faith, kindness, and commitment to human rights will continue to inspire us. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy of love, inclusion, and service will live on in our hearts and in the lives of everyone he touched. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn his passing. May they find comfort in the extraordinary life he lived and the enduring impact of his work. Rest in peace, Bishop Christopher Senyonjo. Your light will never be forgotten.

Uganda Drops Charges Against Two Women Arrested for Kissing Under Anti-Gay Law Two young women known as Wendy and Diana, who were arrested under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act earlier this year for allegedly kissing, have had the charges against them dropped. Via @Mambaonline mambaonline.com/2026/07/15/u…

BREAKING NEWS The Director of Public Prosecutions has officially discontinued the prosecution against Wendy and Diana Their case drew international attention after they were arrested of kissing in public and charged under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act. Today, we celebrate an important victory: Wendy and Diana are finally free. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who stood in solidarity, raised their voices, advocated, and supported Wendy and Diana throughout this journey. Your unwavering support made a difference. Freedom. Solidarity. Justice.

A kiss is not a crime. Wendy and Diana are facing life imprisonment in Uganda for kissing in public. Their trial begins July 15. Post a kiss, use #FreeWendyAndDiana and #AKissIsNotACrime, and tag someone who needs to see this. @hillarytaylorvi

For many years, Bishop has stood with us, offering hope, guidance, and unconditional love. He has recently been sick for several weeks. Today, he needs our prayers and support more than ever. We kindly ask you to keep Bishop Senyonjo in your prayers. If you are able, please consider making a contribution toward his medical care and recovery. Every gift makes a difference, and every prayer brings hope. For donations and more information, please contact: Andrew Talemwa 📞 Tel/WhatsApp: +256 782 848 984

As we wrap up Pride Month, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who shared their stories, experiences, and voices with us. Thank you for making this month meaningful. As Pride Month comes to a close, our commitment to equality, justice and inclusion continues. Real change is built through everyday actions—not just celebrations. Let us keep listening, learning, supporting one another, and speaking up for a future where everyone can live freely and authentically. 🌈 Happy Pride Month from all of us at SMUG. #PrideMonth #Equality #Inclusion #SMUGUganda

Happy Pride Month ❤️🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This week, we asked members of our community what queer joy looks like in their lives and why celebrating it matters. Here’s what they had to say. Queer joy, to me, looks like being able to exist authentically without fear or having to hide parts of myself. It is found in supportive friendships, chosen family, shared laughter, community events, and moments where people feel safe to express who they truly are. Queer joy is important to celebrate because it reminds us that LGBTQ+ experiences are not only about challenges and discrimination, but also about love, resilience, creativity, and belonging. Celebrating queer joy helps build visibility, inspires others to live authentically, and creates spaces where everyone can feel valued and accepted. Jaffar Noah