Ugandan LGBT mothers advocate for their children’s rights, challenging societal norms and legal barriers with unwavering support.
Ugandan LGBT mothers have emerged as powerful voices advocating for their children’s rights amidst a challenging legal and social environment.
On May 8, 2025, seven mothers gathered in Kampala to publicly affirm their love and support for their LGBT children, marking a significant moment in the fight for inclusion and acceptance in Uganda.
These mothers are members of PFLAG-Uganda, a support initiative under Chapter Four Uganda, and their activism challenges the narrative that LGBT rights are “un-African.”
Their open letter to the president in 2023 pleaded against the signing of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which has since led to increased discrimination and violence against LGBT individuals.
The Anti-Homosexuality Act, signed into law in May 2023 and upheld by Uganda’s High Court in April 2024, includes severe penalties for “aggravated homosexuality” and “promoting homosexuality.”
This legislation has not only endangered LGBT individuals but also strained their families, particularly mothers who often serve as primary caregivers.
Despite facing social ostracization and personal risks, these mothers continue to advocate for their children’s rights.
Their story is featured in a short film by Human Rights Watch and Chapter Four Uganda, highlighting their courage and the broader implications of the Anti-Homosexuality Act on families.
Clare Byarugaba, founder of PFLAG-Uganda, emphasizes that these mothers are not only standing by their children but also calling on society to reflect on the broader harm such laws inflict on families.
Their message is clear: acceptance is not a betrayal of culture but a return to its truest values; compassion, community, and unconditional love.
On this Mother’s Day, the voices of Ugandan LGBT mothers resonate beyond borders, reminding the world that love and acceptance are powerful tools against discrimination.
