Urgent Relocation & Remodelling of Drop-in Centre

Hi, My name is Billy Pick and I am fundraising to support an urgent appeal by the Alliance of Women Advocating for Change (AWAC) https://awacuganda.org/ , a Ugandan community-based organization, to support the relocation and remodelling of AWAC New Model Drop-in Centre (DiC) Safe Space in Kampala, Uganda.

The DiC has been operating in the current rented premises in Mengo Nabulagala Road in Kampala since Jan 2020 where it serves sex workers (SWs) on a range of services. Annually, the centre serves 8,254 SWs on PrEP, 452 SWs on ART, 108 SWs who use and inject drugs with mental health & psychosocial support services; 300 SWs with contraception & Post Abortion care of women advocating for change services, 82 SWs access livelihoods and economic resilience services & 35 SWs with Psychosocial support for cancer.

It is now threatened with eviction following the landlord’s intention to sell the premises based on pressure from his relatives who are accusing sex workers of immorality and for their linkage to the LGBTQ community. AWAC and the sex workers community are profoundly worried this important work might be halted even though it is the lifeline for many sex workers and LGBTQ persons living in this area. AWAC is issuing calls for support to rescue the DiC in order to secure multi-year rent, shifting of our items, erecting necessary structures and remodelling the AWAC new safe space for service delivery and continued work.

To facilitate this urgent relocation and remodelling, AWAC requires USD 208,100 (UGX 749,160,000). This will cover various expenses, including; Rent for 2 Years as we stabilize; Security Strengthening for AWAC DiC Safe Space; Erecting of 9×9 parameter wall round the 29 Decimal space, finishing of the 9×9 parameter wall round the 29 Decimal space and Other Security Items.

AWAC’s critical work with sex workers faces a significant threat due to the imminent sale of their current premises. Urgent support is needed to ensure continuity of services in a new, safe space. AWAC appeals to partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers to contribute to this vital cause. For further details, please go to https://awacuganda.org/appeal-for-support/