 According to Michelle Kagari of Amnesty International, the award "recognises [Nabagesera's] tremendous courage in the face of discrimination and violence against LGBT people in Uganda.Her passion to promote equality and her tireless work to end a despicable climate of fear is an inspiration to LGBT activists the world over ..."

In 2015, she was awarded the Right Livelihood Award, which is also known as the "Alternative Nobel Prize," for her "courage and persistence, despite violence and intimidation, in working for the right of LGBTI people to a life free from prejudice and persecution.