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Annual Report 2025

AWAC ANNUAL REPORT - 2025

In 2025, Alliance of Women Advocating for Change experienced one of the most difficult periods in its journey as changes in global politics and funding created uncertainty for organizations working on human rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The situation became more severe following the 2025 U.S. Executive Order and subsequent “Stop Work Order,” which resulted in the suspension and termination of funding from PEPFAR/CDC implementing partners. This affected nearly 43% of AWAC’s Drop-in Centre and safe space programs and disrupted HIV and SRHR services across Uganda. About 31% of the organization’s operations were impacted, leading to the termination of contracts for 13 staff members, and peer educators. Despite these challenges, AWAC remained resilient and committed to implementing its 2024–2028 Strategic Plan. Rather than retreating, the organization strengthened its commitment to supporting sex workers and other marginalized communities, especially women affected by displacement, and gender expansive persons such as the LBQ womxn. The crisis reinforced an important lesson that marginalized women need more than services alone; they also need safety, dignity, supportive communities, and economic opportunities that enable them to live independently and confidently. The funding disruptions caused serious challenges within our communities, including shortages of HIV testing kits, interruptions in ART distribution, closure of HIV clinics, and reduced access to counselling, STI treatment, and psychosocial support. Sex workers and other women living with HIV, and vulnerable groups faced fear, stigma, uncertainty, and treatment interruptions that threatened their health and wellbeing. During this difficult period, AWAC’s Drop-in Centres became critical safe spaces, providing emergency support, ART and PrEP refills, counselling, referrals, and stigmafree healthcare services to 9,234 people across different regions. In addition, during the Mpox outbreak, AWAC’s advocacy efforts contributed to targeted vaccination campaigns as essential in reducing women’s vulnerability to successfully reached over 3,000 sex workers in Kampala.  One of AWAC’s major achievements was strengthening grassroots partnerships through the SAFER HEELs Consortium, which supported more than 3,000 young women in  refugee  settlements, such as the Rhino Camp, and Rwamwanja settlements. The organization ensured that women themselves participated in designing and shaping the programs, recognizing that lasting change is achieved when communities lead their own solutions.  AWAC also expanded services in Hoima to bring support closer to marginalized populations. The organization further advanced social accountability and justice through dialogue meetings with local leaders and law enforcement in Hoima City. Community members openly shared experiences of violence, discrimination, and stigma, leading to public apologies and commitments from government and police leaders to improve services for sex workers and other marginalized groups. These efforts demonstrated the power of collective advocacy and community voices. AWAC also learned valuable lessons during the year. Economic empowerment was recognized exploitation and strengthening bodily autonomy. Community-led safe spaces, feminist accountability, psychosocial support, harm reduction approaches, and collective healing activities such as cultural and sports events proved critical in sustaining hope, resilience, and solidarity during periods of shrinking aid and political uncertainty. As AWAC moves into 2026, the organization remains dedicated to building a stronger feminist movement grounded in dignity, justice, collective action, and community leadership. The organization continues to advocate for sustainable investment in feminist livelihood programs such as the Community Health and Livelihood Enhancement Groups (CHLEGs), Drop-in Centres, harm reduction services, and integrated health and economic empowerment interventions that protect the rights, wellbeing, and resilience of marginalized women and communities.