Vulnerabilities faced by MSM in Uganda: Hurdles to meeting the First UNAIDS Political Target; reducing sexual transmission of HIV by 50% by 2015.

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Muyunga Thomas, Sebulime Gerald, Eria Kamya

BACKGROUND: MSM HIV prevalence is 13.7% (Crane Survey, 2010). Same sex relation, including MSM, is a behaviour criminalised as “homosexuality”, making it a hurdle to public health programming in this sub-population in Uganda. MSM behaviour is enjoyed by the respondents, amidst vulnerability and risks.

METHODS: Using sample size of 7,000 MSM, data from 13 organisations and 72 gender and dignity affirming community based safe spaces, were basis for generating this report. Comfort was related to time spent in one village without relocating for more than one year. Social interaction included whether or not the respondents belonged to a self help group and engagement in support group activities. Continued demand for prevention services against HIV/STIs was taken as a measure for engagement in enduring life preserving skills.

RESULTS: All 7,000 MSM demanded and were provided with targeted information, education and communication on sexuality, orientation, gender, identity and keeping relationships. 3800 MSM were specifically playing a receptive role. 2700 were bisexual MSM. 200 MSM engaged in sex-work. 52 MSM living with HIV have been attached to 34 ART accredited health facilities. 155 experienced evictions from their homes of which 55 cases were domestic-violence related. 129 benefitted from a temporary shelter under a transitory home programme. 22 MSM had experienced black-mail due to their same sex behaviour.

CONCLUSION: In the midst of MSM exploring enduring long term sexual relations they face violence, violations, abuse, stigma and discrimination. These are pre-cursors for risks of exposure to HIV, evictions, black-mail, expulsions, disenfranchisement, ex-communication, homelessness and displacements.


RECOMMENDATION: Decriminalisation is a basic context in Uganda that will influence the way MSM demand, enjoy and access social services.

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