The report from the Institute for Journalism and Social Change (IJSC) was able to link the anti-LGBTQ+ organization in Uganda to several international resources, including the United Kingdom.
Analyzing data from the International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI), they found that the interfaith body receives UK aid funds directly. That money is donated by the UK, which is an “executive partner” of a program that aims for an “open society” in Uganda.
Two months ago, IRCU members introduced another anti-gay bill to parliament in hopes of expanding anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Uganda. The law was approved by an overwhelming majority, with 387 of the 389 MPs voting in favour.
The bill, which human rights chief Volker Türk describes as “one of the worst of its kind”, imposes death sentences and life sentences for homosexual sex as an “attempt” at homosexuality and 20 years in prison for the “recruitment, promotion and financing” of homosexuality . Anyone who identifies as “homosexual, transgender, queer or any other sexual or gender identity that violates the binary categories of male and female” could face up to 10 years in prison.
Following the passage of the bill, UK Development Minister Andrew Mitchell said he was “deeply disappointed” with the decision. Funding for the IRCU will continue as usual. The organization would already receive up to £134,900 received in aid funds for the program ‘Uganda – Open Society’ The donations started in June 2021 and will run until March 2024.