Overview

MAHIPSO’s Institutional Development and Resilience Program focuses on addressing the lack of dedicated intersex programming, advocacy, and services in Central Uganda, particularly in the Greater Masaka Region. Intersex individuals face significant stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, and there are few actors providing support outside Kampala and major urban areas. To bridge this gap, MAHIPSO aims to implement interventions through four core strategies: generating and managing knowledge, raising public awareness, promoting the health and human rights of intersex persons, and strengthening their voice and agency.

This strategic investment supports national and regional policies including the Uganda National Gender Policy, the National GBV Policy, the Equity Plan, and aligns with broader continental and global frameworks such as the African Union Agenda 2063, EAC and COMESA gender policies, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and international human rights conventions.

Services under MAHIPSO’s Institutional Development and Resilience Program

1. Knowledge Generation and Management

To effectively address the unique challenges faced by intersex persons in Central Uganda, MAHIPSO prioritizes evidence-based programming through knowledge generation and management. This includes conducting baseline surveys and community mapping to understand the population size, needs, and existing gaps in service provision. Through targeted research, MAHIPSO documents the lived experiences of intersex individuals to inform interventions, policy recommendations, and stakeholder engagement. These knowledge products not only enhance internal programming but also serve as critical tools for advocacy and awareness across various sectors, including health, education, and local governance.

2. Public Awareness and Sensitization

A key barrier to the inclusion of intersex persons in society is widespread stigma, discrimination, and misinformation. MAHIPSO tackles this challenge by implementing robust public awareness and sensitization campaigns. These initiatives involve organizing community dialogues (barazas), conducting radio talk shows in local dialects, and distributing culturally appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials. By engaging local leaders, cultural influencers, and community members, these programs aim to demystify intersexuality, shift harmful social norms, and foster a culture of acceptance, dignity, and inclusion for intersex persons.

3. Health and Human Rights of Intersex Persons

Access to quality, respectful, and non-discriminatory healthcare is central to the wellbeing of intersex persons. MAHIPSO strengthens healthcare systems by training medical professionals to understand and sensitively handle intersex variations. The program ensures intersex individuals receive appropriate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services without coercion or stigma. In addition, the organization provides referrals to specialized care and supports intersex persons in navigating the healthcare system. On the human rights front, MAHIPSO works with legal aid organizations to offer support to intersex individuals who face violations, promoting legal literacy and ensuring redress mechanisms are accessible and effective.

4. Building Voice and Agency of Intersex Persons

Empowerment is at the heart of sustainable inclusion, and MAHIPSO invests in building the voice and agency of intersex persons to advocate for their own rights and needs. Through mentorship programs, leadership training, and peer-to-peer support structures, the organization nurtures confidence and self-expression among intersex individuals. Support groups provide safe spaces for connection, healing, and community building. These platforms help individuals develop their skills, share experiences, and engage in collective action aimed at influencing community attitudes and public policies. By amplifying their voices, intersex persons can actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.