HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE: ISSUE NO. 2 OF 2023

 

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE UGANDA (HRCU)

WEEKLY UPDATE ON KEY EMERGING HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES WITHIN THE WORKING ENVIROMENT OF HRDS IN UGANDA

THE WEEK OF 16^TH TO 22^ND JANUARY 2023

Dear reader,

Welcome to this new week!

As HRCU continues to research, monitor and document emerging issues within the working environment of HRDs, the call also goes to all collaborators, HRDs, State and no state actors to continue contributing and supporting strategies like such.

In the course of last week, HRCU’s ED Ms. Margaret Sekaggya was invited by the Uganda Human Rights Commission in a two day training for three newly appointed commissioners at the Commission. The newly appointed commissioners include Hon. Simeo Nsubuga, Col. Steven Basaliza and Hon. Omara Apita.

HRCU and HRDs at large look forward to the usual cooperation and partnership from the UHRC and the newly appointed commissioners in advancing the protection and promotion of rights and fundamental freedoms in Uganda.

The UHRC as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) is mandated by law under Article 52 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution to ensure the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms by all citizens and more of her functions are stated in the aforementioned article.

HRCU’s ED – Ms. Margaret Sekaggya in a group photo with UHRC Commissioners and staff during the 2 day training. (Photo: UHRC)

Additionally, HRCU congratulates Ms. Sarah Kasande for being awarded the Franco-German Peace and Reconciliation Award by the French  and Germany Embassies in Kampala on Friday January 20, 2023 during the 60^th anniversary to commemorate Elysee Treaty.

(L-R) HRCU’s ED Margaret Sekaggya, Ms. Sarah Kasande (Award winner) and Dr. Katja Kerschbaumer during the commemorations in Kampala (Photo: Embassy of France in Uganda) 

On Saturday January 21, 2023, the U.S. Mission in Uganda hosted the inaugural U.S. Mission Alumni Impact Awards Gala as a way of honoring the impact of U.S. exchange program alumni as it celebrates 60 years of the U.S.-Uganda relationship.  The red-carpet event featured an illustrious group of Ugandans from across the country who participated in U.S. government exchange programs over the past six decades.  There were 13 award categories, and alumni were recognized for their dedication to selfless service within their local communities, the region, and the world. Among these were Ms. Margaret Sekaggya (ED, HRCU) who scooped the ‘Dorothy Ngalombi Lifetime Achievement Award.’

Ms. Margaret Sekaggya (Center) receiving her appreciation (Photo: U.S Mission in Uganda)

EMERGING HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES

SPEAKER AMONG ORDERS PROBE INTO JOEL SSENYONYI-LED COSASE 

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among called for an audit into the performance of Parliament’s Committee on State Authorities and State Enterprises (Cosase).
Ms Among who is the Bukedea District Women representative in the 11th Parliament said the performance of the committee chaired by Nakawa West MP, Joel Ssenyonyi, a member of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) is of great concern.

According to the Speaker, out of 107 entities probed by the auditor general, the committee only considered four entities.

"And I don't want to say shame on us the House but shame on you Cosase. It's you people who have failed. We have invested a lot of money in the committee but we have not got results," she said adding that the House had six months to consider and pronounce itself on the report.

A file photo showing Cosase chairperson Joel Ssenyonyi (L) taking notes during a meeting with Speaker Anita Among in her office recently. PHOTO/ COURTESY  

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/speaker-among-orders-probe-into-joel-ssenyonyi-led-cosase--4090434

ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND THE NEED FOR CIVIC EDUCATION: LACK OF EDUCATION DRIVING SCORES TO PRISON – REPORT

A new survey on the social-economic profile of detainees and grounds for their incarceration revealed that most inmates have basic or no education and are held for years without trial over petty offenses like theft.

While presenting the report findings in Kampala, consultant and lead researcher, Josephine Kankunda noted that 37% of the inmates they interviewed had never attained any formal education and 39% had only managed to attain a Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) certificate.

They also established that 34% of the inmates interviewed were apprehended over theft.

Meanwhile, as she launched the report findings, Mariam Wangadya, the chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission vowed to ensure his team delivers on their mandate to protect basic rights for all people.

The survey conducted between September and December 2021 was funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation with the Legal Aid services Providers’ Network (LASPNET) as an implementing partner.

Source: https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/lack-of-education-driving-scores-to-prison-report.html

ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE: UHRC RELEASES REPORT ON MISSING NUP SUPPORTERS

Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) released its findings about the missing 25 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters. These were arrested and detained during and after the 2021 general elections.

Speaking to journalists at UHRC head offices in Kampala last week, the Commission’s Chairperson, Mariam Wangadya said that they received a list of 25 missing persons from NUP leadership who were arrested and detained in different places.

However, according to the commission’s findings, 7 of the 25 were released from prison in December last year. Wangadya said out of the seven, 3 are under capital punishment, and 4 appeared before court over vandalism, but were later released on bail.

Meanwhile, she revealed that the commission is still investigating why 18 others are still missing. She urged the general public to share information regarding the missing persons with the commission.

She also criticized the National Unity Platform leadership for alleging that the commission is doing nothing to provide justice to the families of the missing persons.

Source: https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/uhrc-releases-report-on-missing-nup-supporters.html

THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION: TEACHERS VOW TO LAY DOWN TOOLS AS SCHOOLS REOPEN

Arts teachers threatened to lay down their tools of trade when pupils return to school next month if the government does not enhance their salaries next Financial Year (FY) by 100 percent.

The teachers, in a letter addressed to the Public Service minister, questioned what they called “double standards” when the government increased salaries of their counterparts running the rule over science subjects by 300 percent.

Mr Filbert Baguma, the secretary general of the Uganda National Teachers Union (Unatu), said since the budgetary process for FY2023/2024 is still ongoing, the government should consider enhancing salaries of all arts teachers in secondary and primary schools.

While attending last year’s national teachers’ day celebration at Kololo, Kampala, in December, President Museveni asked teachers not to put him under pressure over salary increments.

Whereas Mr Muruli Mukasa—the Public Service minister—was unavailable for a comment, Mr John Chrysostom Muyingo—the junior Education minister—asked the teachers to be patient. He moved to assure them that they are already in the government’s plans for salary enhancements.

Children play in the compound of Nombe Primary School in Ntoroko District after the school was closed due to teachers’ strike in June last year. PHOTO/ALEX ASHABA. 

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/teachers-vow-to-lay-down-tools-as-schools-reopen-4090072

CONCLUDING REMARKS

1.   Recognizing and awarding HRDs creating impact in society is a motivator to many of them to continue doing their work. The U.S Mission in Uganda, is appreciated in its work together with other Embassies that on an annual basis recognize and award key HRDs vigorously working towards sustainable promotion, protection and realization of rights and freedoms for all.

2.   Important to note is that the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms is a collective responsibility which doesn’t only entail only on HRDs but rather everyone. Therefore, as Ms. Mariam Wangadya vowed that the UHRC, an institution she heads is committed to ensuring the citizenry enjoy their rights, we must work closely with it in order to achieve long term and sustainable results in as far as human rights are concerned. Civic and human rights education, trainings and awareness remain critical as well. The promotion and protection of human rights remains a key purpose and guiding principle in Uganda.

3.   Article 30 of the 1995 Uganda Constitution reaffirms that all people have the right to education. The primary duty bearer in the promotion of this right is government and therefore developments and threats from Arts teacher through their umbrella body UNATU about laying down tools when schools reopen in February is a matter which requires immediate government intervention so as the right to education is not sabotaged. Both parties may consider mediations and roundtable discussions.

4.   The work of HRDs is essential for the advancement of human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy and good governance. Human rights defenders are also instrumental in defending victims of human rights violations and ensuring their access to redress and remedy. Therefore as HRDs advance human rights, its key to always consider advancing the rights of HRDs and this includes supporting their work, their protection and ensuring the development of an enabling environment under which their activities fall.

 

Thank you for reading. Happy new week!