HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE: ISSUE NO.34 OF 2021
THE HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE UGANDA (HRCU)
WEEKLY UPDATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND KEY
EMERGING ISSUES WITHIN THE HRDS’ WOKING ENVIRONMENT
WEEK OF 6TH TO 12TH SEPTEMBER
2021
It’s
a great new week that we look towards. There is nothing in life that beats
faith, hope and love. Simply knowing that our tomorrow will be greater and
brighter than today is enough to keep us working and advancing in whatever
cause we are engaged.
The
message is simple: “all of us are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
The
Human Rights Centre values the contribution of everyone who is directly or
indirectly involved in the promotion and protection of human rights and
fundamental freedoms in Uganda and world over.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
Legislative Advocacy: HUMAN RIGHTS
DEFENDERS’ LAW COLLABORATORS MEET WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
On
Friday 10th September 2021, some representatives from civil society
organizations involved in advocating for the passing of the Human Rights
Defenders’ Protection Bill, 2020 met with some members of Parliament (Hon.
Silas Aogon (MP, Kumi Municipality), Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (MP, Bugiri
Municipality) and Hon. Lucy Akello (District Woman Representative, Amuru) to
discuss next steps towards advocating for the passing of the Bill in the 11th
Parliament. It was a fruitful meeting that set the direction for further
collaboration. More engagements will ensue once the Bill has been saved in or
carried forward to the 11th Parliament.
Brief Comment:
The
process of advocating for a specific law for the protection of the rights and
work of human rights defenders in Uganda began as way back as 2013. In 2014, a
study was conducted that revealed that human rights defenders faced a number of
challenges including intimidation, threats to themselves and close relatives, arbitrary
arrests and detention and in worse case scenarios death in the course of or as
a result of their work https://defendersprotection.org/home/wp-content/uploads/bsk-pdf-manager/The-Legislative-Climate-for-Human-Rights-Defenders-in-Uganda_1.pdf
In
2016, a model law https://ishr.ch/latest-updates/groundbreaking-model-law-recognise-and-protect-human-rights-defenders/ was adopted by UN experts which in addition to
the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders could be domesticated by countries
to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders.
In
July 2020, Hon. Lyandro Komakech (then MP, Gulu Municipality) was granted leave
to introduce the Bill https://www.independent.co.ug/mp-komakech-granted-leave-to-introduce-human-rights-defenders-protection-bill/ and on 9th March 2021, the Bill had
its first reading in Parliament https://www.whrdnuganda.org/parliament-of-uganda-to-discuss-human-rights-defenders-protection-bill-2020/
All
human rights defenders are called upon to support and popularize the process
because the passing of the Human Rights Defenders’ Protection Bill, 2020 will
give great mileage to the security, protection and recognition of their
legitimate work.
COVID-19 CASES UPDATE:
Results of COVID-19 tests done on 11
September 2021 confirm 77 new cases. The cumulative confirmed cases are now
121,587. The breakdown of the new cases are: 75 Alerts and Contacts: Kampala
(31), Soroti (12), Tororo (7), Serere (6), Kalaki (2), Sironko (2), Kapelebyong
(2), Kumi (2), Mbale (1), Kabale (1), Mbarara (1), Ngora (1), Bududa (1),
Luweero (1), Amuru (3), Wakiso (2), 2 Truck drivers from Kyotera (1), Amuru (1)
NOTE:
Practice the 3Vs and reduce the chances of
entering a third COVID-19 wave. Be Vigilant, Get Vaccinated and
Be Vocal in sharing correct and verified information.
Source
and details at: https://twitter.com/MinofHealthUG/
RIGHT TO EDUCATION: MUSEVENI DEMANDS
SCHOOL REOPENING DATE BY NEXT WEEK
President Yoweri Museveni directed the prime
minister to lead the team from the ministry of education, health and the
national taskforce to come up with dates and revised safe proposals for the
reopening of learning institutions. The directive follows a meeting that
happened on Tuesday this 7th September 2021 between President
Museveni, ministries of education and health, and the Covid-19 national
taskforce on the safe reopening of schools.
The meeting was intended to discuss the
proposals of the safe reopening of learning institutions that were designed by
the ministries of education and health with other key players in the education
sector and their proposed reopening date of October 2021. The presented
proposals included the safe reopening of schools in a phased and staggered
manner, Covid-19 vaccination for the population that interact with the children
in schools, shortening of holidays and extension of school days to include
Saturday, vaccinating teachers, prioritizing learners who had less time
in school, strengthening the continuity of learning, reviewing the school
curriculum to concentrate on core competences(like the literacy, numerous and
English) and strengthening the Covid-19 surveillance system in schools.
According to the spokesperson for Ministry of
Education Dr. Dennis Mugimba, the President was impressed by the proposals as
they were presented, especially the issue of phased reopening and in a
staggered manner.
Source
and details: The Independent, Thursday 9th September 2021: https://www.independent.co.ug/museveni-demands-school-reopening-date-by-next-week/
Brief analysis:
It is provided under Article 30 of the Constitution
of the Republic of Uganda that all persons have the right to education. Much as
the outbreak and prevalence of COVID-19 greatly affected and continues to
affect lives all over the world, it is important for human rights defenders
both in civil society/NGO sector and government ministries, departments and
agencies (MDAs) to continue reasoning together and strategizing on how best to
promote, protect and realize human rights and fundamental freedoms – even in
the face of a pandemic.
LEGISALATION: MPS ENDORSE TAX ON PASSENGERS FLYING
OUT OF UGANDA
Parliament has adopted a raft of
recommendations to revive the economy currently battered by the Covid-19
pandemic, key among is implementation of a Tourism Development Levy. According
to MP Mpaka Mwine (Chairperson of the Committee on Trade and Industry), the
Committee proposes a levy of $10 to be charged on each ticket for every person
who departs from Uganda by air transport.
The House also adopted the manner in which
the proceeds should be shared, with 70 percent being proposed to cushion
private sector players in the tourism sector. The 70 percent will be managed by
Post Bank Uganda and the Ministries of Finance and Tourism will formulate a
plan to guide access to the funds.
Source and more details at: The Independent,
Thursday 9th September 2021: https://www.independent.co.ug/mps-endorse-tax-on-passengers-flying-out-of-uganda/
Brief
comment and analysis:
Parliament, in conducting its business should
always have in mind key elements of the human rights based approach namely participation, accountability,
non-discrimination, empowerment and legality (PANEL). The proposal to levy
taxes in not bad in itself but the spirit behind it must be well communicated
to those who are likely to be affected or involved. Awareness must be raised.
UGANDA LAW SOCIETY ELECTIONS: PHEONA WALL
RE-ELECTED UGANDA LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT
Pheona Nabasa Wall was on Friday 10th
September 2021 re-elected as the President of the Uganda Law Society. At a
function held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Wall was re-elected unopposed
together with the majority of her executive members that include Angwech Diana
(Vice President), Ritah Namakiika (Secretary) and Shane Gloria Masanase as the
Treasurer. This is Wall’s second and final term as Uganda Law Society President
having first been elected last year.
Madia Jimmy was elected as the Council Member
for Northern region, Chemsto Kubai as the member for the Central region, Franco
Barakensi Western region and Martin Asingwire for the Eastern Region in the
election presided over by Counsel George Omunyokol,
Speaking moments after she was re-elected,
Wall pledged to continue working hard to ensure that they fulfil their mandate.
Earlier, the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah thanked the lawyers for their
contribution towards constitutionalism and the rule of law. He pledged Parliament’s
support towards the fraternity to which he also belongs.
At the function, which most lawyers attended
virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings, a
number of awards were given out to lawyers and law firms for their
distinguished service in the past year.
ULS president Pheona Nabasa Wall. File Photo
Source and more details: The Independent, Saturday
11th September 2021: https://www.independent.co.ug/pheona-wall-re-elected-uganda-law-society-president/
Brief
comment:
Lawyers are examples of human rights defenders and
their contribution is enormous in ensuring that all people enjoy their rights
and fundamental freedoms. In performing their work, it is important to always
have in mind the interests and safety of clients, work within the law and use
peaceful means. Professionalism and integrity are key virtues that will elevate
one from where they are to greater heights in the social and career arena.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: KATURAMU
RELEASED FROM PRISON
Former Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister John
Sanyu Katuramu has been released from jail. He was
released from jail on Saturday morning 11th September 2021 after
serving a 20-year jail term.
According to a family member who spoke to
New Vision, it was confirmed that Katuramu had been released but could not yet
speak to the media.
Also released was his nephew Patrick
Kwezi and Alex Twinomugisha. The
trio were were convicted and sentenced to death in 1999 for the murder of Tooro
Prince Happy Kijanangoma and Stephen Kaganda, a guard, on March 25, 1999.
Their sentence was, however, commuted to life
imprisonment after the Supreme Court abolished the death penalty, which they
served.
Source and details: New
Vision, Saturday 11th September 2021: https://www.newvision.co.ug/articledetails/114529/katuramu-released-from-prison
MIXED REACTION TO RELEASE OF TOORO’S KATURAMU
The release of former Tooro Kingdom Premier
John Sanyu Katuramu after serving his term at Luzira Prison has generated mixed
reaction in Fort Portal. Katuramu was convicted and sentenced to death in 1999,
for masterminding the murder of the then Tooro Prince Patrick Happy Kijanangoma
and a guard, Stephen Kaganda. The incident occurred at Palace View Bar Hotel in
Fort Portal town.
Katuramu’s sentence was commuted to life in
prison after Susan Kigula and 400 other death row inmates successfully appealed
against their sentences in the Supreme Court in 2009. The Supreme Court then
ruled that if someone is convicted and sentenced to death and is not hanged
within three years, then the High court would revisit his or her sentence to a
maximum of life in prison for 20 years.
Some of the people interviewed in Fort Portal
noted that they were excited that Katuramu had been finally released from
prison and that the people of Tooro
should welcome and forgive him because he could have reformed. Another
mentioned that there is no harm in releasing Katuramu because he was
a bright man with ideas of business citing the establishment of Voice of Tooro
radio station; that he is a pillar in Tooro’s development and since his
conviction and imprisonment, many development projects he had initiated have
collapsed. He says that Katuramu’s release is good news for the business
community in the area and that he also offered educational and financial
support to the needy.
However, another interviewee felt
heartbroken that Katuramu had been released and yet Kijanagoma died while
defending the properties of Tooro Kingdom and can’t be replaced.
According to Prince David Kijanangoma, the
younger brother of the late Happy Kijanangoma, the family forgave Katuramu
after a process of reconciliation; that a family decision had been reached to
forgive Katuramu after he was remorseful for the crime he committed.
Source and details: The Independent, Sunday
September 12, 2021: https://www.independent.co.ug/mixed-reaction-to-release-of-tooros-katuramu/
CULTURE, HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEVELOPMENT: TOORO’S KING
OYO UNVEILS 25-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The King of Tooro Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV launched
the Kingdom’s development plan for the next 25 years. This
was on Saturday 11th September 2021 on the eve of the King’s 26th
coronation anniversary.
According
to the plan, the Kingdom will focus on six pillars which include, promoting and
protecting the culture, skills development for youth, investing in agriculture,
promoting tourism, environment and water conservation, Health for All and
ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
King
Oyo said that the development plan will transform the Kingdom for the next 25
years with the overall goal of empowering people and communities of Tooro,
adding that the plan will also enable the Kingdom to contribute towards the
attainment of the National Development Plans and Uganda’s Vision 2040.
Source
and details at: The Independent, Sunday September 12, 2021: https://www.independent.co.ug/tooros-king-oyo-unveils-25-year-development-plan/
REGIONAL NEWS
RIGHT TO EDUCATION: BURUNDI SCHOOLS
OPEN AS UGANDA INSISTS ON JABS FIRST
Schools in Burundi are set to reopen on
Monday September 13, after a three-month long holiday, amid a surge in Covid-19
cases countrywide. The Ministry of Health imposed mandatory Covid-19 screening
for students reporting back to school.
According to Jean Bosco Girukwishaka,
spokesman for the Minister of Health, the tests are mandatory for students in
secondary school and boarding schools, the rest may go for the test voluntarily.
Mass testing for students, teachers and staff members of boarding or secondary
schools kicked off on Friday, and would run to Tuesday September 14.
According to the government’s Covid-19 report
dated September 6, 2021 the daily average rate of new Covid-19 cases stood at
154, since July 21, 2021 the date when the highest number of new cases was
recorded.
However, the situation is different in
Uganda. Schools remain closed in the country to date, despite several hints by
government officials and a slow successful teacher vaccination campaign
initiated late August. Recently, First Lady Janet Museveni echoed President
Yoweri Museveni’s stand that schools will only open if all the teachers and
non-teaching staff were vaccinated. Since closure in May 2020, only a few
classes such as the candidate and finalists have had in-person lessons.
Students from the rest of the classes such as Senior 1 and 2 as well as Primary
1 have not been to school since.
In a TV appearance recently, Information and
National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi and said while it won’t be long
before schools are opened, clear safety measures will have to be put in place.
AFRICAN UNION SUSPENDS GUINEA AFTER COUP
The African Union said on Friday 10th September 2021 it was suspending Guinea after a coup in the West African country that saw its president Alpha Conde arrested. The pan-African body said on Twitter that it "decides to suspend the Republic of Guinea from all AU activities and decision-making bodies". The move came after Guinean special forces seized power on Sunday and arrested Conde, who had come under increasing fire for perceived authoritarianism.
The AU had on Sunday condemned the military takeover and called for the release of Conde, who became the country's first democratically elected president in 2010. Its move came a day after the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also suspended Guinea and said it was sending a mission to the country to evaluate the situation there. The AU's Political Affairs, Peace and Security Council said it called on AU Commission chief Moussa Faki to "engage with stakeholders in the region" on the crisis.
Source and more details: The Observer,
Saturday September 11, 2021: https://observer.ug/news/headlines/71153-african-union-suspends-guinea-after-coup
CONCLUDING
STATEMENTS
We hope for a calm week.
We call for peaceful
co-exsietnce.
United we stand,
divided we fall.
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