Pride Uganda Alliance International (PUAI) is a community-based volunteer run non-for-profit organisation. We provide support and advocacy to individuals who identify as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender from Africa.
PUAI started off originally by six members as Pride Uganda Toronto (PUT) in 2005, and one of the original members is Henry Luyombya with four other male members and one female who have moved on and or dispersed.
PUAI is established at the 519 Church Street Community Centre. It supports mostly individuals from East Africa but now also includes members from other communities as first a bi-weekly social group for gays and lesbians who are mostly newcomers, refugee and permanent residents currently living in Canada due to the oppression and discrimination they faced within the continent of Africa and other places for their sexuality. We have been meeting to discuss topics of interest and or take part in any creative and accessible activity in the community to better ourselves. With the marching at the Pride Parade 2009, upon the backdrop of marching with Victor Mukasa the International Grand Marshal with Egale Canada including El-Farouk Khaki as the Grand Marshal, and our pride reception, it made us emerge in the public view owing to new developmental initiatives. Pride Uganda is now going through a transformation as an upcoming organisation.
On 15th December 2009 PUAI held its vigil in protest of the homophobic legislation. That Friday’s vigil was an indicator of a lot of interest out there, which we are turning into active involvement.
PUAI as a community-based group provides support and information related to immigration and settlement processes for LGBT refugees and permanent residents from East Africa also includes members from other communities as first a bi-weekly social group for gays and lesbians who are mostly newcomers to Canada, refugee and permanent residents. We have: -