In this episode of Debunque It, host Mariana Schuetze speaks with Brant Luswata, Executive Director of Ice Breakers Uganda, about the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and health care in Uganda. As one of the country’s pioneering advocacy organizations, Ice Breakers Uganda operates at the forefront of support and resistance amid harsh anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Brant discusses how these laws impact daily life and organizational work, the challenges of providing essential health services, and the realities of operating under constant threat. We explore the importance of international solidarity and the innovative strategies being used to empower, educate, and sustain the community.

This episode offers a powerful look into the courage and resilience driving the movement toward a more inclusive and informed society.

In this episode of Debunque It, host Andrea Houston speaks with Richard Lusimbo, Director General of the Uganda Key Populations Consortium (UKPC), about the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, HIV care, and human dignity in one of the most hostile environments on earth. Uganda made international headlines in 2023 when it passed one of the world’s harshest anti-LGBTQ+ laws, criminalizing identity itself and escalating decades of state-sponsored homophobia. Richard shares how this law has reshaped daily life for LGBTQ+ communities, sex workers, and people living with HIV, while exposing the devastating impact of U.S. funding cuts and far-right influence on global health and human rights. We discuss the realities of raids, arrests, mob violence, online harassment, and shrinking international solidarity—and how queer and trans Ugandans are courageously organizing, resisting, and building resilience. Richard’s story is a powerful reminder that the struggle for equality must be international, intersectional, and deeply rooted in solidarity.

You can learn more about UKPC here: https://ugandakpc.org/

For Pride Month, we speak to Dennis Wamala, Ugandan activist and Program Officer at Rainbow Railroad. Dennis talks about his life as an activist and tells his story of fighting for LGBTQ people everyday, long after he left Uganda behind for a new life in Canada.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we sit down with Otita, a courageous trans man navigating life, identity, and survival in Uganda—one of the most legally and socially hostile countries for transgender people. From discovering his gender identity to the harsh realities of transitioning in a criminalized environment, Otita shares his journey with raw honesty and resilience. He opens up about the emotional toll of stigma, the lack of support systems, the dangers he faces daily, and the impact of declining international funding on the trans community. Despite ongoing threats, Otita speaks about how he stays safe, mentally grounded, and hopeful. His story is one of courage, strength, and resistance in the face of adversity. He leaves a heartfelt message for other trans people in Uganda, urging solidarity and self-belief. Tune in for a moving and necessary conversation about identity, dignity, and the right to live freely.

In this vital episode, we speak with Monalisa Akitole from Uganda Trans Forum about the harsh realities faced by trans women in Uganda. She shares how cultural norms, religious beliefs, and the Anti-Homosexuality Act impact their daily lives, safety, and access to resources. We also discuss the devastating effects of the recent USAID funding freeze on essential services like healthcare and legal aid, increasing their vulnerability. Monalisa sheds light on ongoing challenges, misconceptions, and dangers, and offers ways allies can support the resilience and hopes of trans women in Uganda.

The recent freeze of funding from USAID and PEPFAR has sent shockwaves through communities relying on vital health services, particularly key populations.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Andrew Tendo from Proud Legends Initiative as we unpack the complex challenges arising from this funding shift. Dr. Tendo shares firsthand experiences and expertise, shedding light on the urgent need for innovative approaches to ensure continued access to healthcare.

This episode uses clips from news stories found on YouTube:

CBC News - Disease outbreaks could grow after cuts to USAID, says former agency head

https://youtu.be/CjEoel61kRc?si=EuTRCEkNg8Qu8xkE

Democracy Now! - "Time for It to Die": Trump & Musk Back Closing USAID as Freeze on Foreign Aid Threatens Millions

https://youtu.be/9u4HJYU0ZEQ?si=DXr8IRU1dsmxxhvR

Democracy Now! - Leaked USAID Memos Warn 100,000s Will Die from Cuts to Polio, TB, Malaria, Ebola, AIDS Programs

https://youtu.be/IP1heSWyqC8?si=kX4L-yNo41-g0Cyh

Join us for a powerful and eye-opening conversation as we go behind the scenes with Royal Rays Initiative Uganda and their Executive Director, Derrick. We'll delve deep into the heart of their mission: serving the marginalized and vulnerable communities of Uganda.

This is not just a story about community development; it's a testament to resilience. We'll openly and honestly discuss the significant challenges Royal Rays Initiative faces, including the impact of the Anti-Homosexuality Act on their work and the people they serve. We'll uncover the courageous strategies they've developed to continue their vital work and provide support in a difficult environment.

Be prepared to be inspired as Derrick shares his unwavering personal motivation and his vision for the future of Royal Rays. He'll discuss the unwavering dedication of serving those facing the most discrimination and violence.

Steve Kabuye’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and advocacy, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. His unwavering commitment to championing the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Uganda and beyond is nothing short of inspiring. This episode delves into his harrowing escape from a life-threatening attack and his journey to seek refuge in a safer place. Despite facing relentless hate speech from detractors, Steve continues to use his voice to fight for equal rights, inspiring countless others to join the cause. His story is not just one of survival, but of relentless courage and the unyielding pursuit of justice.