Safety, food, employment & income for vulnerable LGBT+ Ugandans
London, UK – 25 August 2026
£14,645 donated by supporters of the Peter Tatchell Foundation is funding a new community project to support vulnerable LGBT+ people in Uganda.
The Dauglas Project, coordinated with Out & Proud African LGBTI (OPAL), will provide safe premises, food support, farming income to sustain the project, sport and music activities for LGBT+ Ugandans facing homelessness, unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.
The funding was raised from the Foundation’s appeal to friends and supporters earlier this year. A cheque was formally presented to OPAL outside Uganda House in London by Sir Ian McKellen, Peter Tatchell and the then PTF Operations Manager, Simon Harris, who coordinated the fundraiser.
The project is led by Ugandan community organiser, Dauglas, who already supports vulnerable young people through music, dance and sports sessions. His full name is being withheld to protect him against arrest and vigilante violence.
Dauglas said: “This support will help us create a safe community where vulnerable LGBT+ people can come together, grow food, develop their talents and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”
Abbey Kiwanuka of Out and Proud said: “The project plans to support around 30–80 LGBT+ people in its first year. Farming will help provide food and potentially generate income, while a small music and recording facility will develop creative skills and possible employment opportunities.”
Peter Tatchell said: “LGBT+ Ugandans are living under some of the harshest anti-gay laws in the world, with maximum sentences of life imprisonment and even execution by hanging. Many face rejection by their families, eviction from their homes, and dismissal from their schools and jobs. They also suffer mob violence and police harassment, blackmail and sexual assault. Homelessness and poverty are widespread. “
“We are proud to help fund this project, which will provide housing, employment, skills training, income, food, and a LGBT+ social and friendship network. It is about helping vulnerable LGBT+ people survive today and securing their long-term future.”
Sir Ian McKellen previously praised PTF donors for their “generosity and solidarity with LGBT+ Ugandans facing persecution.” He said the project was an “important and valuable lifeline” to LGBTs outcast and under threat.
The project will operate discreetly because of Uganda’s hostile anti-LGBT+ environment. Identifying information about participants and the precise location of the project will not be published to protect them from arrest and mob violence.