info@runsem.org helpline@runsem.org

Welcome to RUNSEM


RUNSEM is a network of feminists dedicated to promoting
emancipation and sexual rights in Uganda. The diversity among Ugandans
is vast, and at RUNSEM, we believe that differences in sexual orientation,
ethnicity, gender, and economic status should be respected.
LGBTQI+ persons should never face harassment, attacks,
discrimination, or violations of their rights because of these
differences. All people in Uganda, regardless of their sexual
orientation or gender identity, deserve equal access to
opportunities and services, and their safety must be protected.

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Our Vision

RUNSEM envisions a society where LGBTQI+ persons are empowered and sexual rights are recognized, respected, and promoted.

Our Mission

The mission of RUNSEM is to empower LGBTQI+ persons and promote sexual rights through trainings, networking and advocacy.

Our Goal

The primary goal of RUNSEM is to mobilize and support LGBTQI+ persons and ensure their security and protection.

About Rural Network for Sexual Minorities


RUNSEM is a network of feminists dedicated to promoting emancipation and sexual rights in Uganda. The diversity among Ugandans is vast, and at RUNSEM, we believe that differences in sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, and economic status should be respected. LGBTQI+ persons should never face harassment, attacks, discrimination, or violations of their rights because of these differences. All people in Uganda, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve equal access to opportunities and services, and their safety must be protected.
However, in Uganda, people who identify as LGBTQI+ are among the most marginalized and excluded members of society. They face stigma, violence, and discrimination due to their real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity. Discrimination based on identity or societal positions is prevalent; for instance, LGBTQI+ persons often face barriers to leadership positions at the community level. Furthermore, LGBTQI+ persons are frequently excluded from planning and implementing government programs, which tend to benefit those from affluent families, thereby limiting opportunities for them. There is also a significant issue regarding LGBTQI+ persons autonomy in making decisions about their lives and bodies.
As a network for sexual minorities, RUNSEM emphasizes the importance of recognizing, respecting, and promoting sexual rights. All people—whether lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or Asexual—must be able to live in communities free from discrimination.

Our Core Values


  1. Diversity, Equity and inclusion
  2. Tolerance
  3. Networking and alliance building
  4. Feminism
  5. Respect, Honesty and Transparency
  6. Autonomy
  7. Movement Building

Our Members


RUNSEM membership comprises all people of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, and economic statuses.

Management – Our Board


RUNSEM is governed by a board of seven members. The board meets quarterly and as needed to oversee RUNSEM’s strategy and policy, approve strategic and business plans, and monitor performance. The board consists of a Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Vice Secretary, Treasurer, and two members, with the Executive Director serving as an ex officio member. All board members are elected/re-elected at each Annual General Meeting (AGM) of RUNSEM and are passionate advocates for sexual rights. They operate independently of management and are free from any conflicts of interest. Board members are appointed for an initial term of three years, typically with the option for a one-term extension.

Our Strategic approaches


RUNSEM uses the following strategic approaches in achieving its objectives;

  1. Partnerships with local, national and international organizations
  2. Capacity development
  3. Community based
  4. Participation
  5. Advocacy
  6. Networking, alliance building and collaboration
  7. Holistic (Integrated)

Management – Our Team


RUNSEM has a Secretariat led by the Executive Director and supported by other professionals on both full-time and part-time bases. We have regional coordinators, sub-regional coordinators, and several district focal persons in all districts where RUNSEM operates. All coordinators and focal persons are volunteers who work with the Secretariat to ensure the smooth operation of the network.

Our Programs and Activities

Feminism, Emancipation, and Sexual Rights

RUNSEM implements actions on feminism, emancipation, and sexual rights in Uganda. RUNSEM believes in the importance of showcasing diversity among Ugandans. We maintain that differences in sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, and economic status should be respected. People in Uganda, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve equal access to opportunities and services, and their safety must be prioritized. However, those identifying as LGBTQI+ persons are particularly marginalized and excluded. This highlights the urgency of recognizing and promoting sexual rights for all.

Security and Protection


Against the backdrop of the challenges faced by Sexual Minorities and the dwindling civic space, RUNSEM provides security and protection to all LGBTQI+ persons who find themselves in emergency situations. RUNSEM supports LGBTQI+ persons to oversee an emergency or risky situation. Support from RUNSEM covers any immediate and short-term costs arising from the emergency situation before a more stable source of support. RUNSEM support helps LGBTQI+ persons to meet the following costs.

Media for Human Rights

The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Many members of the LGBTQI+ community stigmatized through media. RUNSEM implements actions that counteract negative perceptions against LGBTQI+ persons and support media practitioners to embrace diversity and inclusion. We support journalists who have passionate about human rights and promote the rights of all through media. In Uganda, radio serves as a vital source of information on human rights. Community radio stations provide a platform for marginalized voices and have successfully advanced knowledge of rights. Media sensitive to human rights can contribute to building a culture of human rights and promote diversity and inclusion.

Economic Empowerment

RUNSEM empowers the LGBTQI+ persons and enhances their participation in development programs. We provide a platform for the LGBTQI+ community to unite for a common cause and discuss new approaches for economic empowerment. RUNSEM aims to foster economic opportunities, facilitating discussions on economic empowerment, gender equality, participation, and regional diversity.

Budget Advocacy

RUNSEM offers training for the LGBTQI+ community in budget advocacy, aiming to build their capacity to conduct budget analysis, contribute meaningfully to the budgeting process, and develop budget position papers reflecting their interests.

Anti-stigma Initiative

LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda have often been on the receiving end of violence. They suffer stigma, discrimination, physical and verbal abuse, assault, harassment, eviction from their home, loss of job, suspension or expulsion from school etc. Though it is often said that one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE) is a non-issue, the violence meted upon said person is undeniably a big issue as it affects their qualities of health and life.

Security and Protection

AAgainst the backdrop of the challenges faced by Sexual Minorities and the dwindling civic space, RUNSEM provides security and protection to all the LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda find themselves in emergency situations. RUNSEM supports LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda to oversee an emergency or risky situation. Support covers any immediate and short-term costs arising from the emergency situation. RUNSM support helps LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda to meet the following costs

Urgent and short-term legal assistance

LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda who are either threatened with arrest, arbitrarily arrested, detained, maliciously prosecuted or summoned by government authorities, support can be used to cover the cost of legal representation to secure freedom when the full trial is going on. The goal is to prevent any imminent or continued human rights abuses from occurring during the full trial process. This could include: bail/bond; the costs of representation by a lawyer where LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda are summoned by the authorities; temporary injunctions; conservatory orders where there is threatened or actual forced evictions; anticipatory bail who are apprehensive that they might be arrested or re-arrested.

Cost of bail/bond

When LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda have secured bail/bond but for some reason they are unable to raise the amounts required, RUNSEM can cover the cost of bail/bond to free the member from custody during the period of trial. Applications for this type of support will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts and evidence presented by the applicant.

Urgent medical help

LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda who sustain injuries or become critically ill as a consequence of any forms of physical violence propagated against them, can be supported by the RUNSEM. In this instance, RUNSEM can provide assistance to the victim by covering the cost of medical services and treatment. Psychosocial support may also be provided where it is necessary for enhancing recovery from a traumatizing experience or enhancing their emotional wellbeing.

Temporary relocation costs

Relocation becomes necessary where LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda face a threat of violation of their rights or risks being exposed to other types of danger due to continued presence at a particular place or territory. RUNSEM can cater for any costs incidental to the relocation for the entire period during which the threat persists.

Hiring private security

Where LGBTQI+ persons fears that their life is in danger, they can be supported to hire private security for a short period of time. Applications for this type of support will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the facts and evidence presented by the applicant. s

Installation of security infrastructure

RUNSEM can cover an application to procure security infrastructure for LGBTQI+ persons such as CCTV cameras provided that adequate justification is given on how this will help overcome the emergency situation. This may include reference from a tech specialist on the effectiveness of such infrastructure. Due to the high costs of security infrastructure, it must be clear from the application that this is the best way for ensuring security and protection, that the request is justified by a third party and that the budget is provided by a service provider.

Prison Visits

RUNSEM can provide support to visit imprisoned LGBTQI+ persons who live in anguish for months with little or no information about their health and wellbeing while in prison.

Trial Monitoring

RUNSEM can support trial observers to conduct trial monitoring when a colleague is being tried by court. The support is designed to enable trial observers to accurately report on trial proceedings and contribute to the protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda facing prosecution by highlighting injustice and the lack of due process. The presence of trial observers sends a clear message that the right to a fair trial in which all the evidence can be heard and examined without prejudice is a fundamental human right.

Humanitarian, family or dependent Support

Humanitarian, family or dependent assistance will be provided if the LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda are unable to continue working or there are salary losses due to the threats.

Equipment Replacement

RUNSEM can support Replacement of professional equipment and material (hardware or software) which has been taken, lost or stolen from the LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda.

Physical and Digital Security

RUNSEM provides support to improve physical, digital and communication security to LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda


RUNSEM supports members of the community to oversee an emergency or risky situation. Support covers any immediate and short-term costs arising from the emergency situation before a colleague identifies a more stable source of support.

Our Projects

RUNSEM implements several actions aimed mobilizing members of the LGBTQI+ persons and allies for empowerment. Methodologies include media campaigns, meetings, training sessions, conferences, and roundtable discussions involving members of the LGBTQI+ community and various actors working together to create a space for sexual minorities in Uganda

Empowering LGBTQI+ persons to fight against Discrimination

RUNSEM aims to empower LGBTQI+ persons combat discrimination in Uganda. We support LGBTQI+ persons in utilizing media—such as radio, the internet, and other entertainment channels—to foster tolerance and awareness. We convene meetings for LGBTQI+ persons to develop a strategy for fighting discrimination. We implement strategies that enable LGBTQI+ persons in their communities through debates titled “Tolerance now: No Room for discrimination in Uganda.” These debates involves high LGBTQI+ persons and other members of the community from diverse backgrounds, moderated by defenders to encourage discussion on combating discrimination. We support media campaign against discrimination that includes pre-recorded audio/video clips produced to address discrimination issues. Through our actions, we promote tolerance, inclusion and diversity in Uganda.

Conference on Diversity and inclusion

The conference aims to promote diversity and inclusion in Uganda. Participants will share skills, knowledge, and ideas to support and promote actions that deepen diversity and inclusion and maintain peace and stability. The conference will address issues such as freedom of speech, securing human rights, and countering discrimination and stigma as one way of promoting diversity and inclusion. The overall objective is to promote democracy and good governance in Uganda. Specific objectives include:

  1. Sharing skills, knowledge, and ideas on promoting diversity and inclusion.
  2. Promoting sexual rights in Uganda.
  3. Creating a network of LGBTQI+ persons and allies in Uganda.
  4. Publishing a report on the state of rights for LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda.

Annual Survey on the rights of LGBTQI+ persons

RUNSEM conducts an annual study on the rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda. The study aims to establish the levels of inclusion in Uganda. This research involves primary and secondary data collection, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative analysis. RUNSEM produces an annual report detailing information on inclusion, reviewing legal provisions regarding inclusivity. Recommendations will be made for interventions aimed at enhancing the involvement of LGBTQI+ persons, thereby contributing to the consolidation of the rights of LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda.

Managing Diversity and Fostering LGBTQI+ persons Empowerment Initiative

RUNSEM implements the “Managing Diversity, Fostering Empowerment in Uganda” initiative. Youth constitute the majority of the population in Uganda. However, persons who identify as LGBTQI+ persons often face discrimination and harassment. LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda can be characterized by various attributes, including ethnicity, gender and economic status. Those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, or Asexual encounter unique challenges not faced by their peers.
RUNSEM believes in the principle of equality and non-discrimination as outlined in Article 21 of the Constitution of Uganda. We are committed to ensuring that differences based on sexual orientation are recognized and respected throughout society. LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda should never experience harassment or discrimination due to their identity or position. We strongly advocate that gender differences should not lead to disparities in power or treatment among LGBTQI+ persons. All people in Uganda deserve equal opportunities to make decisions about their lives and bodies.

Creating Spaces for Empowerment

RUNSEM creates spaces for empowerment LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda. We organize a summit that draws participants from across the country to discuss strategies for empowering LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda: We empower LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda to expose and challenge unequal and unjust power dynamics in society through grassroots activism. We work to promote Emancipation and Sexual Rights by ensuring that LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda are not harassed or discriminated against based on their identity or position in society. We empower LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda claim their economic, social, cultural, and civil-political rights through awareness-raising actions.

Anti-Stigma Initiative

LGBTQI+ persons in Uganda have often been on the receiving end of violence. They suffer stigma, discrimination, physical and verbal abuse, assault, harassment, eviction from their home, loss of job, suspension or expulsion from school etc.

Though it is often said that one’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (SOGIE) is a non-issue, the violence meted upon said person is undeniably a big issue as it affects their qualities of health and life. The law that has been created in Uganda is a misguided perception in society that LGBTQI+ individuals are criminals, a perception that subsets of the state and religious institutions advance to further perpetuate human rights violations and acts of violence. RUNSEM is working to have a safe and enabling environment where all individuals live justly, equally, and freely, with their rights recognized, respected, and promoted and fostering a society that celebrates diversity and inclusion. RUNSEM is working to empower and support LGBTQI+ persons them to have an inclusive environment and ensure that they have security and protection so that they can live dignified and independent lives. RUNSEM advocate for safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ persons and ensure that they have security and protection.

Statistics from the Security Helpline

Security Audits Conducted

Sexual Minorities Supported

Court Cases Handled

Physical Security Trainings

Contact Our Security Helpline

Members of the LGBTQI+ community should never face harassment, attacks, discrimination, or violations of their rights because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. All people in Uganda, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, deserve equal access to opportunities and services, and their safety must be protected.

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Email (Helpline):

helpline@runsem.org

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