Dr. Hirya Nahiranda is a medical doctor, and passionate advocate for inclusive health and gender-affirming care. His professional and personal journeys are deeply intertwined, each fueling the other in his mission to create safe, affirming spaces for queer and trans communities in Uganda.

Currently, he serves at Ark Wellness Hub, a queer-focused clinic that primarily serves men who have sex with men (MSM), while also providing care for a growing number of trans clients — many of whom he connects with through personal networks. His work spans general medical care, STI management, HIV prevention, and guidance on gender-affirming health, where possible within the current legal framework.

Outside the clinic, he extends his work into community education, participating in podcasts, facilitating in-person sessions, and sharing practical medical information alongside his lived experience as a trans man. These platforms have allowed him to challenge stigma, spark meaningful conversations, and bridge the gap between medical knowledge and the everyday realities of queer and trans people.

In his remarks, he says,

“My trans journey has been both the compass and the fuel for his career. Growing up, my difference was visible and often became the subject of gossip, bias, and doubt. Even in school leadership roles, my abilities were questioned not because of my competence, but because of how I looked. These experiences chipped away at my confidence, even as I kept pushing forward.

Working within Uganda’s restrictive legal environment has brought its own set of challenges. It has, at times, limited how much I could fully practice gender-affirming care beyond my personal journey. But joining the TNU 2Lead Fellowship marked a turning point. It deepened my understanding of legal realities, equipping me with strategies to work safely within them while still advocating for my community.

More importantly, 2LEAD has been a space of renewal; restoring my confidence, reconnecting me with my power, and surrounding me with a network of gender-diverse leaders. The human connections, including a close friendship formed with a fellow participant, have been deeply healing and inspiring.”

Today, Dr Hirya carries a renewed clarity. For every client he sees, every conversation he starts, and every class he teaches is a step toward the future he believes in; a future where trans and queer people have the care, dignity, and respect they deserve.