HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE: ISSUE NO.13 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 10TH
TO 16TH APRIL 2023
Dear reader,
Welcome to this week's round-up of human rights
issues, where we highlight some of the most pressing challenges and
developments within the working environment of HRDs in Uganda, as strides
continue to be made for justice, equality and wellbeing of HRDs.
The promotion and protection of human rights is a
complex and multifaceted task that requires the combined efforts of
individuals, organizations, and governments at local, national, and
international levels. Collaboration, multi-stakeholder engagement, resource
leveraging, and global cooperation are necessary to address the complex and
interconnected challenges facing the scope human rights.
HRCU highly hopes that through sharing these updates
with you, you will utilize then not only for your information but also to
strategise better on how to advocate further for a better working environment
for human rights defenders and all the people in their communities.
KEITH
MUHAKANIZI DIES AT 64 AFTER BATTLING CANCER FOR YEARS
Keith
Muhakanizi, one of the longest-serving technocrats in President Museveni’s
government, died last week at the age of 64. The Permanent Secretary in the
Office of the Prime Minister and former Secretary to Treasury, died in a Milan
hospital after battling cancer for years.
Muhakanizi,
who until his death was the last man standing in an elite league of the late
Chris Kassami and late Bank of Uganda Governor Emmanuel Tumusiime Mutebile,
spent decades at the Ministry of Finance since graduation from Makerere
University.
In
July 2021, President Museveni sent Muhakanizi to Office of the Prime Minister
(OPM) as Permanent Secretary.
As a macro- economist, and a public sector management specialist, Mr. Muhakanizi helped in the formulation of National Development Plans, Public Finance and Management Act, The Bank of Uganda Act among others.
MINISTER
LUGOLOBI ARRESTED OVER KARAMOJA IRON SHEETS SCANDAL
The Finance state minister for
Planning, Amos Lugolobi was arrested over the diversion of iron sheets meant
for the vulnerable people of Karamoja.
Lugolobi who allegedly decided to
use the diverted iron sheets to roof his cow shed was arrested on Friday night
after showing up at the criminal investigations department (CID) headquarters
in Kibuli to record a statement. The minister has been snubbing CID summons,
allegedly duping the investigators that he is out of the country on official
duties whereas not.
But sources said he was advised to
show up and have his fate determined as soon as possible. Lugolobi becomes the
second minister to be arrested over the Karamoja iron sheets scandal where more
than 14,500 pieces of iron sheets under the Karamoja Community Empowerment
Program were diverted to ineligible third parties including cabinet ministers, government
officials and ministers.
LAND RIGHTS: LAND CASES DOMINATE
EQUALOPPORTUNTIES COMMISSION TRIBUNAL
At least
34 percent of marginalised people who seek legal services from Equal Opportunities
Commission (EOC) are more affected by land and property disputes, a new report
shows.
According
to the tribunal law report released for year 2021 and 2022, the land and
property disputes cases include trespass, destruction of property, non-compensation
for land acquired by third parties, unlawful eviction and denial of access, and
unfair access to matrimonial property.
“The
report shows that land and property disputes dominated the court at 34 percent,
followed by claims for unpaid entitlements at 31 percent, discrimination and
inequalities at place of work at 23 percent, neglect at 3
percent, then exclusion from social security for elderly persons,
electoral malpractice and defamation, all at 2 percent,” report states.
The report
also indicated that more than half of the cases belonged to persons residing in
Kampala City with 36 cases (55 percent) followed by Wakiso District with five
cases at (eight percent), Hoima District had four cases, and the rest of
other 13 districts had one case each.
While
launching the tribunal report in Kampala yesterday, EOC chairperson Safia
Nalule Jukko said the high percentage of cases reported from Kampala City
speaks to the ease of accessibility, with EOC offices being located in the
central region.
The
chairperson of the parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee, Ms. Robinah Rwakojo,
who launched the report, said land and property disputes are increasing every
day because the marginalised communities lack information on how to access
justice in such cases.
Source:https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/land-cases-dominate-eoc-tribunal--4198598
PRESS
FREEDOM: OPPOSITION CONDEMNS BRUTAL ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS
The shadow cabinet condemned the
continued attack on journalists by police as they carry out their work.
Last week, a team of journalists was
pepper-sprayed by police officers led by Yeeko Ogwal as they covered the
medical pre-interns’ demonstration in Mulago, Kampala. The attack was commanded
by Assistant Superintendent of Police Kamulya who was captured on Camera.
The shadow minister for information
Joyce Bagala said the attacks not only threaten journalists but also sabotage
the free flow of information in the country.She says the IGP Martins Okoth Ochola
should be ashamed and embarrassed, further urging him to take action against
his errant officers.
She has asked police and other
security agencies to provide the necessary security for journalists and all
Ugandans as they investigate and prosecute the culprits.Journalists have since
threatened to protest against police brutality next week.
Source: https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/opposition-condemns-brutal-attack-on-journalists.html
Also see: POLICE
OFFICER SUSPENDED FOR PEPPER-SPRAYING JOURNALISTS
Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/police-officer-suspended-for-pepper-spraying-journalists-4196916
POLICE STRONGLY
CONDEMNS PEPPR SPRAY ATTACK ON JOURNALISTS
Uganda Police
Force: https://www.upf.go.ug/police-strongly-condemns-pepper-spray-attack-on-journalists/
PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE: KABAKA CALLS
FOR UNITY AS HE CELEBRATES 68TH BIRTHDAY
Buganda King Ronald Muwenda Mutebi
II on Thursday last week called for unity among his subjects as the monarch
celebrated his 68th birthday at Bulange Mengo.
In a brief speech at the ceremony attended by a select team of about 200
invited guests, Kabaka Mutebi said unity was the surest path for the subjects
to succeed.
“Unity
is the main foundation to our victory and I request for more support. Let us
fight against HIV by abstaining from unprotected sex, going for testing and
taking medication as prescribed by the doctors,” he said.
The birthday celebration was the
third public appearance in less than a week following his return from a routine
medical check-up in Germany.
The Kabaka applauded his subjects
for being committed, supportive and sticking to the main objective of
supporting and protecting the kingdom despite the existing challenges.
THE RIGHT TO
EDUCATION: GOVT WARNS SCHOOLS OVER FAILURE TO IMPLEMENT NEW CURRICULUM
Government
has continued to warn private schools that have not yet implemented the new
lower secondary school curriculum.
The
senior education officer of Luwero district, Enoc Kiyemba says the new
curriculum has come to exist forever, and therefore the schools which are
ignoring it are wasting their time and putting the future of the students at
risk.
He
said the schools should focus on addressing the
challenges in the curriculum instead of ignoring them.
“In
many schools, the new curriculum is still hard to implement. I want to
encourage you where it has been challenging to find ways and means but ensure
that this new curriculum is adhered to,” Kiyemba said.
He
made the remarks while officiating at the commissioning of a classroom block
donated by MTN Foundation to Horizon high school in Luwero district.
Source:https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/govt-warns-schools-over-failure-to-implement-new-curriculum.html
CONCLUDING REMARKS
1.
HRCU
joins the country at large to mourn the passing of Keith Muhakanizi who was a
dedicated economist, public servant and contributed immensely towards the
economic growth and development of Uganda. May the soul of the deceased rest in
eternal peace.
2.
Attacks
on journalists by police in Uganda have several negative consequences, which
among include violation of freedom of expression: Journalists have a right to
report on events and express their opinions without fear of intimidation or
violence. Attacks on journalists by police in Uganda violate this fundamental
right and can discourage journalists from reporting on important issues.
3.
A
good curriculum is a key driver for promoting the right to education in Uganda.
It provides a framework for effective teaching and learning, prepares students
for the future, fosters innovation and creativity, promotes equity and
inclusion, and enhances accountability. Additionally, a good curriculum is
designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they need
to succeed in the future. It should reflect the needs of society and the
economy, preparing students for the demands of the workplace and for active
citizenship.
4.
Land
is often the most valuable asset and resource that individuals and communities
possess. Ensuring that justice is extended to land victims is essential for
protecting property rights and preventing illegal and unjust land acquisition.
Therefore, its indispensable to extend justice to land victims as it enhances
economic development, strengthening the rule of law, and fostering peace and
stability. It is crucial for building a just and equitable society and ensuring
sustainable development.
Thank you for reading
Comments
Post a Comment