Our friend, Wilson Mbajjwe was featured in an April 20, 2023 New York Times article: “‘We Will Hunt You’, Ugandans Flee Ahead of Harsh Anti-Gay Law”. Wilson had fled to Kenya, fearing for his life as the Anti-Homosexuality Act was nearing enactment. Curious to learn more, a member of our group contacted Wilson on social media. Wilson provided first hand insight into what was happening to LGBTQI people in Uganda and the struggles for those fleeing to Kenya. It was sobering to hear his descriptions of what was happening.
There was an obvious need for Ugandan LGBTQI support, including food and shelter for those coming to Kenya. Wilson had worked as a shelter administrator for Let’s Walk Uganda, an organization that provides food, shelter, and HIV/sexual health counseling in Uganda. He knew what was needed for organizing a shelter. Compelled to act, an effort was launched in Seattle to provide funding for this safe house. This effort grew by word of mouth, from friends, to friends of friends. There are now supporters helping Ugandan LGBTQI individuals not only in Washington State but also in California, New York, Wisconsin, Iowa and Montana. With this growth The Wilson Project filed with the State of Washington as a nonprofit on August 24, 2023. The IRS approved The Wilson Project as a 501(c)(3) on September 24, 2023.
We are a volunteer organization working to support this safe house and to help other Ugandan LGBTQI individuals impacted by the Anti-Homosexuality Act. The administration of The Wilson Project is being done by individuals volunteering their time and energy. None of the money donated goes to administrative salaries. Your donation will go directly to meeting the needs of those being helped by The Wilson Project.
LGBTQI Ugandans forced to flee their country face daunting challenges in finding safety. Many come to Kenya as this country has traditionally granted asylum to those facing persecution for their sexual orientation. However, the United Nations Kakuma Refugee Camp has a history of violence for LGBTQI people living there.
Our mission is to provide shelter, food and support helping Ugandan LGBTQI individuals as an alternative to Kakuma Camp. We have established a shelter in Nairobi which currently supports a group of individuals who have fled Uganda. The Wilson Project is supporting these individuals as they find a pathway to safety in other countries where they can fully live as LGBTQI people. Our mission also includes providing educational opportunities to enable them to be successful as they seek asylum and resettlement to a safe place in the world. With your help, we will continue to support this group and other Ugandan LGBTQI refugees impacted by the Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Act.
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