2018 Advocate Pepe Julian Onziema

Pepe is the Programs Director for Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), an organization focused on monitoring, coordinating, and advocating for the rights of the LGBTI community in Uganda through influencing legislation, challenging discriminatory laws, and spreading awareness on the status of human rights for individuals identifying as LGBTI in Uganda. As the Programs Director, Pepe is responsible for the coordination and administration of all ongoing programs, including the development, organization, and implementation of fundraising campaigns, mobilization initiatives, and advocacy work. Prior to serving as Programs Director, Pepe was the organization’s co-director and office administrator. As a longtime advocate for LGBTI rights and as an out transgender man, Pepe is personally connected with the population he is currently serving. He has been the recipient of the 2012 Global Citizen Award from the Clinton Global Initiative and received a GLAAD award in 2015. Pepe holds a diploma in shipping and freight from Kampala College of Business Studies and the Advanced Certificate of Education from Makerere College School.