About The Wilson Project
Our Mission
The Wilson Project came together after the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda. This law is one of the most dangerous in the world for LGBTQI individuals and organizations. Many Ugandan LGBTQI individuals were forced to flee for their lives. Given the urgent need for shelter, food, clothing, medical and educational support for those fleeing the Act, we came together to provide funding for a safe house in Nairobi, Kenya. Our mission is to support these individuals as they find a pathway to safety in other countries where they can fully live as safe LGBTQ individuals. With your financial support, we can continue this mission and hopefully help additional LGBTQI Ugandans impacted by Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Act.
Statement from President Joe Biden on the Enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, May 29, 2023.
The enactment of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act is a tragic violation of universal human rights…No one should have to live in constant fear for their life or being subjected to violence and discrimination. It is wrong. Since the Anti-Homosexuality Act was introduced, reports of violence and discrimination targeting Ugandans who are or are perceived to be LGBTQI+ are on the rise. Innocent Ugandans now fear going to hospitals, clinics, or other establishments to receive life-saving medical care lest they be targeted by hateful reprisals. Some have been evicted from their homes or fired from their jobs. And the prospect of graver threats—including lengthy prison sentences, violence, abuse—threatens any number of Ugandans who want nothing more than to live their lives in safety and freedom. President Biden, May 29, 2023
Our Inspiration for the Wilson Project
We Will Hunt You’: Ugandans Flee Ahead of Harsh Anti-Gay Law
"The law calls for life in prison for anyone engaging in same-sex relations. President Yoweri Museveni congratulated lawmakers for their “strong stand” against L.G.B.T.Q. people." https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/20/world/africa/uganda-anti-gay-bill-lgbtq.html
In an April 20, 2023 New York Times article Wilson Mbajjwe told his story of fleeing Uganda, fearing for his life. He had worked for Let’s Walk Uganda, an organization targeted by the Anti-Homosexuality Act for their support of Ugandan LGBTQI individuals. In addition to the NY Times article, he also appeared in a number of other news articles in Brazil, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Rachel Maddow used his photo and the NY Times article as a backdrop to a story she did on her show. He helped tell the world what was happening as a result of the anti-homosexuality act. but this visibility also increased the threat to his life. We came to know Wilson through social media and through his efforts, we were able to establish the safe house in Nairobi. Wilson inspires us with his bravery, his caring for others and his determination for a better life.