HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE: ISSUE NO. 23 OF 2023
THE HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE UGANDA (HRCU)
WEEKLY UPDATE ON THE KEY EMERGING
HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES WITHIN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT OF HRDS IN UGANDA
THE WEEK OF 31ST JULY TO 6TH
AUGUST 2023
Dear reader,
Happy new month and welcome to August 2023,
As
we continue to embark on a journey to shed light on the key emerging human
rights issues within the working environment of HRDs in Uganda, let us remind
ourselves of the profound significance that human rights hold in shaping a just
and equitable society.
Our
collective voices and efforts are very prudent in advocating for the inherent
dignity, freedoms, and equality of all people, regardless of their background,
race, gender, religion, or nationality. We firmly believe that everyone
deserves to live a life free from oppression, discrimination, and violence.
UNITED NATIONS HUMAN
RIGHTS OFFICIALLY CLOSES OFFICES, EXITS UGANDA
The
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, officially closed the
agency’s offices in Uganda and concluded all operations following the
government’s decision not to extend their mandate.
On
Saturday, August 5, 2023, the office in Kampala officially ceased its
operations, as stated in a press release from the agency’s headquarters in
Geneva. Türk expressed his regret, acknowledging the 18 years of collaboration
with civil society and various stakeholders in Uganda, as well as engaging with
State institutions to promote and protect the human rights of all Ugandans.
Prior
to the Kampala office’s closure, sub-offices in Gulu and Moroto had already
shut down on June 30 and July 31, 2023, respectively. As of March 2023, OHCHR
Uganda employed 45 staff, including 36 nationals and 9 international members.
Established
in Kampala in 2006 to address human rights concerns in conflict-affected areas
of Northern and North-Eastern Uganda, OHCHR’s mandate was later expanded in
2009 to cover the entire country and all human rights issues.
In
2020, the government expanded the mandate of the OHCHR to establish a Regional
Human Rights Training Centre in Uganda. The center is designed to provide
training on the international human rights system to interested states in the
region, as well as national human rights institutions and civil society
organizations.
In
February this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the
government had decided not to renew the mandate of the OCHCR, which was due for
expiry in March 2023. In a letter to the OCHCR head office, the Ministry stated
that Uganda had developed the capacity to monitor, promote, and protect human
rights without external support.
The
head of the UN Agency expressed concerns that the amended Computer Misuse law
may further erode free expression and also cautioned against a regression from
Uganda’s obligations under international human rights treaties it has accepted
thus urging the Government to guarantee the effective and independent
functioning of the national human rights body, which serves as the primary
entity responsible for overseeing human rights in Uganda.
Source: https://www.independent.co.ug/un-human-rights-officially-closes-offices-exits-uganda/
PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE: SPEAKER CALLS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY MEASURES ON UGANDA’S WATER BODIES
The
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among appealed to the responsible government
agencies to enforce the existing safety measures for water transport in Uganda.
Among said this will safeguard Ugandans from avoidable water tragedies in
future.
Her
message followed last week’s boat accident on Lake Victoria that claimed
about 25 lives with only 9 people rescued.
The
boat accident, described as one of the worst on Lake Victoria this year, has
been blamed on overloading and strong winds. The ill-fated large boat was
transporting over 30 passengers and cargo from Lwanabatya Landing Site in
Kyamuswa County, Kalangala district when it capsized.
The
Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU)spokesperson
Deo Sentiba said that five bodies had been recovered.
PROTECTION
OF THE RIGHT TO LIFE: ORGAN TRANSPLANT LAW WON'T PROMOTE TRAFFICKING, EXPERTS.
Health
experts have refuted allegations that the recently enacted Human Organ Donation
and Transplant law will promote body organ trafficking.
Dr.
Frank Asiimwe, a consultant urologist and transplant expert, said the process
involved in the science of transplant, is so complex to permit trafficking due
to the legalities surrounding the source of organs, compatibility of the
recipient, and the lifespan of an organ.
Media
has in recent years reported cases of persons recruited for domestic work in
the Middle East being conned into medical procedures after which their kidneys
are sold in global trafficking rings.
This
has also been synonymous with local unconfirmed cases involving patients who
undergo surgeries like hernia and expectant mothers reporting that some organs
like kidneys were missing after such procedures.
https://capitalradio.co.ug/news/2023-08-01-organ-transplant-law-wont-promote-traffickingexperts/
WOMEN
EMPOWERMENT: 89,000 YOUNG WOMEN SKILLED UNDER DREAMS PROGRAM
Over
89,000 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) have obtained skills in
tailoring, bakery, design, fashion, events, soap making, craft shoe making, and
hairdressing among others.
This
was courtesy of the Infectious Disease Institute (IDI) DREAMS program at their
safe space in Kawempe division.
The
program is funded by PEPFAR through the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) with
implementation from IDI in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
Uganda
for the last 10 years has achieved a lot in epidemic control, the number of new
infections has reduced by more than 50 percent since 2004 but what is worrying
is that girls aged between 15 and 19 or 15 and 24 are still the group that has
the highest number of infections.
Speaking
as chief guest, Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs
Hajjat Minsa Kabanda called for more awareness about the dangers of having
multiple sexual partners including the probability of cancer, Tuberculosis, and
hepatitis among adolescent girls and young women.
THE
RIGHT TO PROPERTY AND LAND WRANGLES: MUBENDE RESIDENTS PETITION MUSEVENI OVER
RAMPANT LAND WRANGLES
Mubende residents have petitioned President Museveni on the unrest in the area due to deadly land wrangles that have left some people dead and others behind bars. The petition comes after residents of Kilwanyi village in Kiruuma sub-county killed Namutebi Milly Naava, 54, the husband Kayizzi Abdallah, 53, and two children sustained severe injuries in a prolonged land fight.
Police
have since arrested some of the suspects and still hunting others on the run.
Some residents have blamed President Museveni for delaying to direct his officials
to establish a land fund program in Mubende that would enable bibanja owners
get land titles. They have now vowed not to welcome Museveni during the 2026
general elections if their concerns are not addressed.
THE RIGHT TO VOTE: EC
RELEASES ROAD MAP TO 2026 UGANDA GENERAL ELECTIONS
The
Electoral Commission released the roadmap leading to the 2026 General
Elections, with focus on early preparations and adequate funding for all
activities.
“I
implore all stakeholders to carefully examine all the timelines as outlined in
the Roadmap, and work with the Electoral Commission to smoothly implement the
electoral roadmap for 2025/2026 general elections,” said Prime Minister
Robinah Nabbanja, who launched the EC’s strategic plan and elections road map
at an occassion attended by political parties, diplomats and other stake
holders.
“The
Office of the Prime Minister will make sure that the required funds are
released to the Commission to smoothly execute the activities as outlined in
the Roadmap for the next general election.”
The
PM promised that her office will make sure that the enactment of relevant laws
for the 2025/2026 General Elections is done before the end of 2023/2024
financial year.
The
EC Chairperson, Simon Justice Byabakama Mugenyi had earlier appealed to
the government to consider and approve the creation of new administrative units
in a timely manner, so that the electoral program and budget are not
destabilized.
Nomination
of candidates for the 2026 Presidential campaigns are set to take place between
2nd October and 3rd October 2025.
Demarcation
of the electoral areas will be done by July 2024, and general update of
the National Voters’ Register by January 2025. Elections are set for January 12
to February 9, 2026.
Source:
https://www.independent.co.ug/ec-releases-road-map-to-2026-uganda-general-elections/
CONCLUDING REMARKS
1.
Since
its establishment, the UN Human Rights Uganda Office has fundamentally
contributed towards the promotion and protection of human rights in Uganda and
mostly at international level. It’s therefore important to note that strong
human rights institutions are essential for protecting individuals, promoting
equality, fostering peace, and upholding the rule of law.
2.
Boat
accidents and the right to life are deeply connected as boat accidents can
often result in tragic loss of life hence an infringement on the right to life.
The right to life is a fundamental human right recognized by various
international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights (ICCPR). Subsequently, when boat accidents occur, whether on inland
waters, coastal areas, or international waters, they can lead to fatalities and
injuries, putting the right to life of passengers and crew at risk.
3.
Organ
transplantation and the right to life are interconnected, as this medical
procedure can be a life-saving intervention for patients with organ failure. However,
it also involves complex ethical and legal considerations that must be
addressed to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in the
process, including both recipients and donors.
4.
Skilling
and empowering women are not only essential for gender equality but also for
overall societal progress and development and promotion of women’s rights. By
investing in women's education, training, and economic empowerment, we create a
more just, equitable, and prosperous world for everyone and the most
marginalized.
5.
Land
remains a contentious item in Uganda. Combating land wrangles and protecting
the right to property requires a comprehensive and rights-based approach. The
government of Uganda must prioritize legal clarity, access to justice, public
awareness, and fair land management to create a conducive environment for
secure land ownership and the protection of property rights.
6.
An
election road map is a detailed plan outlining the various stages and processes
involved in conducting elections. It serves as a crucial tool for ensuring the
smooth and transparent organization of electoral events and promotion of the
right to vote. Therefore, the election road map by the Electoral Commission, is
a fundamental tool that will contribute to the integrity, transparency, and
credibility of the 2026 electoral process.
Thank
you reading. Happy new week
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