End the National ID Crisis for Uganda’s Rural LGBT+Community
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We demand the Ugandan government to immediately issue national ID cards to LGBT persons which will serve as a catalyst for their safety.

As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, LGBT+ people - especially those in rural areas are facing increasing violence and discrimination. Historically, during election seasons, LGBTQ+ individuals have been scapegoated by politicians seeking to contest for office.

In the Rwenzori sub region nestled near the border of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), LGBT+ people are being arbitrarily arrested and falsely accused of being rebels — simply because they lack national ID cards.

Without these vital documents, queer individuals are often viewed with suspicion and treated as outcasts. This situation is further complicated by the fact that many queer people face discrimination and marginalization, making it even more challenging for them to access the necessary documents and assert their rights as citizens. This discrimination also brings about job exclusion and thus crippling the community with economic vulnerability. Without a national ID, authorities assume they are foreigners or criminals. Many LGBT+ Ugandans face discrimination when applying for identification cards, making it nearly impossible for them to prove their citizenship.

This ongoing crisis is part of a larger pattern of persecution against Uganda’s LGBT+ community. Homophobic and transphobic attitudes are deeply ingrained in Ugandan society, reinforced by:

● Legal discrimination: Uganda’s laws fail to protect LGBT+ people and instead criminalize them.

● Political scapegoating: Politicians use anti-LGBT+ rhetoric to distract from pressing issues.

● Institutional failures: Law enforcement and judicial systems fuel violence instead of preventing it.

Uganda’s Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination under Article 21, affirming that all persons are equal before the law. Article 29 protects the right to freedom of movement and access to government services, including obtaining a national identification card. Additionally, Article 38 ensures every Ugandan has the right to participate in civic affairs, which includes registration for a national ID. Denying Ugandan citizens access to identification violates these constitutional rights, restricting their freedom, mobility, and ability to engage fully in society.

With the 2026 elections approaching, the situation will only get worse unless action is taken now. We demand that the Ugandan government immediately issue national ID cards to all LGBT+ people, without discrimination, so they can access basic rights, move safely, and protect themselves from unjust arrests.

 

0people have signed
Goal: 10,000

To the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Government of Uganda, and the National Identification Registration Authority:

I am writing to urge you to consider the welfare and rights of Ugandan citizens who are being denied access to identification cards, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 elections. Historically, LGBT individuals have faced severe discrimination, violence, and marginalization, which intensifies during election periods. To ensure the dignity, safety, and rights of all Ugandans, I call on you to:

1. Ensure national IDs for all LGBT+ people – Direct the National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) to issue ID cards fairly, without discrimination based on gender identity or expression.

2. Uphold equal rights and services – Ensure LGBT+ Ugandans can access education, healthcare, and employment without fear.

Uganda’s Constitution guarantees equality and non-discrimination under Article 21, affirming that all persons are equal before the law. Article 29 protects the right to freedom of movement and access to government services, including obtaining a national identification card. Additionally, Article 38 ensures every Ugandan has the right to participate in civic affairs, which includes registration for a national ID. Denying Ugandan citizens access to identification violates these constitutional rights, restricting their freedom, mobility, and ability to engage fully in society.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission should also investigate and report on human rights violations against LGBT individuals, making recommendations to the government to address these issues.

 

The National Identification Registration Authority (NIRA) to issue national identification cards to LGBT individuals without discrimination, regardless of their physical appearance and expression, and ensure NIRA's policies and procedures are inclusive and respectful of LGBT+ people rights and dignity.

 

0people have signed
Goal: 10,000

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