HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE: ISSUE NO. 17 OF 2024
THE
WEEK OF 24TH TO 30TH JUNE 2024
Dear
Reader,
Welcome to this new week which at the
same time, ushers us into the month of July, 2024! What a wonderful privilege
to be alive today!
HRCU is glad to share with you this week's
edition of its weekly human rights Blog and below are some of the key issues
that emerged last week.
NATIONAL
UPDATE:
2026 GENERAL ELECTIONS: POLICE
DEVELOPS SOPS HANDBOOK AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS.
The Uganda Police Force has developed
Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) for its Police officers to remind them
their roles and responsibilities while on duty.
SOPs give step-by-step instructions
needed to perform specific tasks consistently and efficiently.
Over time during elections, the Police
Force has been accused of abusing the political rights of Opposition
politicians. The Minister of Internal Affairs Kahinda Otafiire passed a
directive to the new Police Chief specifically talked of beatings of National
Unity Platform leaders and supporters.
Speaking at national symposium on the
role of security agencies in election in Kampala the commissioner Community
Policing at the Uganda Police Force Anatoli Muletelwa, said these will be
pocket hand books that will be handed to every police officer.
“In preparation for the upcoming
election the Uganda police force has gone ahead, we are developing standard
operation procedures which are pocket handbook for police officers to remind
them of what they are supposed to do during the election,” Mr. Muletelwa said.
Source: https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/police-develops-sops-handbook-ahead-of-2026-elections.html
UN ANTI-TORTURE DAY 2024: UGANDA
COMMEMORATES UN DAY IN SUPPORT OF TORTURE VICTIMS
Uganda on June 26, joined in global
commemoration of the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of
Torture.
The national commemorative event was held
at the Railway Grounds in Kampala under the theme; “Torture Free Communities
for All’’, with Minister for Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire as
Chief Guest.
Earlier on, Crispin Kaheru a member
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), said that this year’s theme emphasizes
the commission’s goal of creating a safe and humane environment free from
torture for all Ugandans.
He added that it highlights the
necessity of collaborative efforts towards eradicating torture and building
communities where all persons in their diversity are safe from inhuman
treatment.
Kaheru, further stated that the
celebrations help in creating awareness about all forms of torture and support
for victims and promoting accountability on the part of the duty bearers.
“The coalition against torture members
and Uganda human rights commission are all committed efforts towards sustained
action in combating torture so that we can attain a torture free community for
all,’’ he said.
International Day in Support of
Victims of Torture is observed on June 26, annually to remind people that human
torture is not only unacceptable – it is also a crime.
Source: https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/uganda-commemorates-un-day-in-support-of-torture-victims.html
HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION: LAW
SOCIETY, ROYAL DANISH EMBASSY LAUNCH RIGHTS PROJECT
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has
partnered with the Royal Danish Embassy to launch a new initiative titled,
"Enhancing the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Uganda."
This collaborative project is set to
bolster the provision of legal aid services through the establishment of three
legal aid clinics in Kabong, Moyo, and Arua.
The initiative, which aims to serve a
population of approximately 3,900 local residents, will particularly focus on
benefiting vulnerable, marginalized, and indigent justice seekers.
These groups often face significant
barriers in accessing legal resources and representation, making this project a
crucial intervention in promoting equitable justice.
The legal aid clinics will provide
essential services including legal advice, representation, and advocacy,
ensuring that the rights of the most disadvantaged members of society are
upheld.
The clinics will be staffed by skilled
legal professionals dedicated to addressing a range of legal issues faced by
the local communities.
The partnership underscores ULS's
"commitment to human rights and social justice."
“By enhancing legal aid services in
these regions, we are taking a vital step towards ensuring that all Ugandans,
regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to the legal support
they need," said one of the members of ULS
The Royal Danish Embassy echoed this
sentiment, emphasizing their dedication to supporting initiatives that promote
human rights and justice.
“We are proud to support this project,
which aligns with our mission to promote human rights and strengthen legal
frameworks in Uganda. This collaboration is a testament to the shared values
and goals between Denmark and Uganda,” stated the Danish Ambassador.
The launch of "Enhancing the
Protection and Promotion of Human Rights in Uganda" marks a pivotal moment
in the ongoing efforts to support and empower marginalized communities.
By providing accessible legal aid, the
project aims to address the systemic issues that impede justice for the
indigent and vulnerable populations.
This initiative is expected to have a
transformative impact on the communities of Kabong, Moyo, and Arua, setting a
precedent for future collaborations aimed at enhancing human rights protections
across Uganda.
As the project unfolds, it will not
only provide immediate legal assistance but also foster a broader culture of
justice and equality in the region.
Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/205359/law-society-royal-danish-embassy-launch-rights-project
ACCESS TO JUSTICE ISSUES: SUPREME
COURT ORDERS TRANSFER OF KASIWUKIRA MURDERER TO LUZIRA FROM KASESE
The Supreme court has ordered Kasese
prison authorities to transfer to Luzira Upper prison, a police officer, Ashraf
Jayden who was found guilty of murdering Kampala city businessman Eriya Bugembe
Ssebunya aka Kasiwukira.
Kasiwukira was killed by a speeding
vehicle on October 17, 2014, while jogging near his home in Muyenga, a Kampala
suburb. Yesterday Wednesday, court presided over by justice Christopher Izama
Madrama ordered that the former Muyenga police station officer, Jayden be
transferred to Kampala to enable him to argue against his 22-year jail term
that was handed to him for the murder in question.
In 2016, late High court judge Wilson
Masalu Musene convicted Sandra Nakungu (cousin to Kasiwukira's wife, Sarah
Nabikolo) and Jaden on grounds that they had exhibited intentions of murdering
the businessman. During the trial, the prosecution presented to court video
footage showing that Jaden had unsuccessfully attempted to kill Kasiwukira on
two different occasions.
Musene also established that Nakungu
owned the vehicle that Jaden used to knock Kasiwukira. He subsequently
sentenced the duo to 20 years in Luzira for murder. He acquitted Kasiwukira’s
widow Nabikolo on grounds that “her name was never mentioned anywhere in the
video clip that was presented to court about the plot to kill Kasiwukira
despite the fact that state witness, Richard Byamukama implicated her for
financing the attack on her husband.
Musene noted that the third person in
the video clip was only referred to as ‘madam’ without any specific mention of
Nabikolo. As a result, Nakungu and Jaden appealed their convictions and
sentences in the Court of Appeal but they were upheld. The DPP also appealed
the acquittal of Nabikolo, but she also equally lost.
Dissatisfied with the decision of the
Court of Appeal, Nakungu and Jaden appealed to the Supreme court and the matter
came for a pretrial hearing on Wednesday. The convicts argue that Musene
convicted them on defective charges, and denied them a chance to present their
witnesses, thereby denying them their constitutional right and entitlement to a
fair trial, an illegality they say was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
Jaden’s appeal was among the 15
criminal cases that were fixed for the pre-hearing session. During the session,
Jayden and Nakungu who is also serving the same jail sentence at Luzira women's
prison followed the proceedings via Zoom and they were given state-sponsored
lawyer Andrew Ssebugwawo to represent them.
They have now been given timelines
within which to file written submissions before the case is fixed for hearing
before a panel of five Supreme Court justices.
THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION: KENYA
PROTESTS; RUTO AGREES TO WITHDRAW CONTROVERSIAL FINANCE BILL.
Kenya’s President William Ruto agreed
to withdraw the controversial Finance Bill, 2024.
The Bill seeks to among other things;
increase taxation on a number of products and services in the country.
Addressing the Nation at State House
in Nairobi, President Ruto said the people of Kenya spoke in one voice and his
government will respect that.
“Consequently, having reflected on the
continuing conversation around the content of the Finance Bill, 2024 and
listing keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want
nothing to do with this finance bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not
sign on the bill, it shall subsequently be withdrawn an i have agreed with
these members and that becomes our collective position,” President William Ruto
said.
The President also revealed that at
least 23 people were killed and 214 others injured during yesterday’s protests
which took place in 35 out of the 47 counties of Kenya, dubbed ‘Reject the
Finance Bill’, largely led by youth.
Source: https://www.kfm.co.ug/news/kenya-protests-ruto-agrees-to-withdraw-controversial-finance-bill.html
CITIZENSHIP: NATIONAL POPULATION
CENSUS 2024: POPULATION AT 45.9 MILLION, WOMEN AND CHILDREN MAJORITY
President Museveni urged sections of
the population to get rid of the superstitious thinking that counting people
brings bad luck.
While officiating at the release of Preliminary
data from the just concluded Uganda Population Census 2024, he said the things
people used to think that are witchcraft are now scientifically explained.
This was while reacting to concerns
that some groups had refused to get counted and campaigned against the census.
In his remarks he noted that he had
anticipated Uganda’s Population to be between 48million to 49 million, before
he was corrected that population has in actual sense grown to 45.9million, up
from 34.6 million in 2014, including 780,061 refugees.
The average household size is now 4.4
persons, down from 4.7, with a growth rate of 2.9%. Females make up 51% of the
population.
Preliminary data from the just
concluded Uganda Population Census 2024 shows that there are just so many
children in this country. Of the 45.9million people, 50.5% are children.
While releasing the results, the
Uganda Bureau of Statistics Executive Director Chris Mukiza notes that Uganda's
population remains young, with 50.5% of its population being children (0-17 years)
and 22.7% being youth (18-30 years). Older persons account for 5%, and 55.6%
are of working age (14-64 years)
In regard to population in Cities,
Kampala leads with 1.9million people followed by Mbarara at 261,000 and Gulu
city with 233,000. These are followed by Masaka, Hoima, Lira, Mbale, Jinja,
Arua and Fort Portal City.
Source: https://capitalradio.co.ug/news/2024-06-27-population-at-459-millionwomen-and-children-majority/
REGIONAL
UPDATE
KENYA PROTESTS: KENYAN PROTESTORS BACK
ON THE STREETS DESPITE PRESIDENT'S COMPROMISE
Protesters were back on Nairobi’s
streets Thursday last week saying they didn't think the olive branch offered by
Kenyan President William Ruto — putting on hold an unpopular tax bill — was
genuine.
Police fired tear gas canisters to
disperse crowds in Nairobi’s commercial district, where most businesses were
closed. The message of protesters to the president was clear: "Ruto must
go, Ruto must go."
Demonstrators tell VOA they are not
scared to protest even if tear gas is being fired left and right.
"The police is trying to scare us
away, people who have come to peacefully protest. On my behalf, I am here to
peacefully protest. But the president, it's time for him to go, to
resign," said Karege.
Another protester said: "We've
been thrown teargas all along. We don't have a problem with his excellency, the
only thing we are seeking is peace."
For another one, the president
shouldn't be overtaxing the population to repay debt when ordinary Kenyans have
not benefited from money borrowed by the government.
"We want to hear the measures he
has put in place to curb high taxation. High taxation because the government
has taken a lot of loans from the IMF and the World Bank and we as Kenyans, we
have not seen what the loans have done, it has not benefited us as citizens of
Kenya. It has only gone to a few specific individuals, so we are really
requesting the president, let those involved in corruption be brought to
justice," said Kibsang.
In an address to the nation Wednesday,
Kenyan President Ruto said that he’s decided not to sign a controversial bill
that included a series of tax increases. He spoke one day after more than 20
people were killed during protests against the bill that led to clashes with
police.
The president defended the proposed
tax increases, saying the money would be used to help farmers and to employ
teachers, among other priorities. He said it was necessary for Kenyans to
discuss how to manage the country’s budget and debt, and said he would engage
with the young people of the nation.
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATE
ACCESS TO JUSTICE ISSUES: BRITISH
LAWYER APPOINTED TO REPRESENT JOSEPH KONY IN ICC CASE
The International Criminal Court (ICC)
appointed Peter Haynes, a British national as the counsel to represent the
rights and interests of Joseph Kony, the fugitive rebel commander of the
notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
Haynes, a renowned international
criminal and humanitarian lawyer was appointed by the ICC registry on June 21.
Haynes will represent Kony during the confirmation process and confirmation
hearing slated to commence on October 15.
The development came nearly three
months after the judges at the Pre-Trial Chamber IX ruled in March that the
World Court would hold the confirmation of charges hearing against Kony in his
absentia and asked the registry to commence the process of selecting a counsel.
This will be the first time the ICC
will hold a confirmation of charges hearing against a suspect accused of
committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in absentia. The case against
Kony was revived last year by ICC prosecutor Kharim Khan following a petition
to the Trial Chamber IX, almost 18 years after an arrest warrant was issued
against him.
According to the prosecution, Kony is
suspected of committing 36 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity,
allegedly committed between at least July 1, 2002 and December 31, 2005, in
northern Uganda.
Kony, the founder of the LRA, waged a
violent rebellion in northern Uganda that displaced approximately 1.5 million
people according to the United Nations (UN) reports, left hundreds of thousands
dead and thousands abducted and conscripted into the LRA ranks. He remains the
only fugitive top leader of the LRA out of the five indicted by the ICC in 2005
for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Others indicted are Dominic Ongwen, a
former Sinia Brigade commander who is currently serving 25 years jail sentence
in Norway after being convicted by the ICC, while Raska Lukwiya, Okot Odhiambo,
and Vincent Otti’ warrants have since been dropped following confirmation of
their deaths.
CONCLDUING
OBSERVATIONS
1. As the 2026 general elections
approach, the Police have taken a proactive step by developing a Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs) handbook. This handbook aims to ensure a smooth and
secure electoral process, outlining protocols and guidelines for law
enforcement officers to follow during the elections. Therefore, equipping officers with
clear guidelines and procedures, the police aim to enhance their preparedness
and effectiveness in maintaining order and security throughout the election
period.
2. Uganda's participation in UN
Anti-Torture Day accentuates its commitment to combating torture and supporting
victims. Reflecting on past challenges and advocating for stronger protections,
Uganda and HRDs aim to contribute to a country where torture is eradicated, and
human rights are respected.
3. The partnership between the Uganda Law
Society and the Royal Danish Embassy highlights a shared commitment to
promoting and protecting human rights in the country. This project is expected
to make a significant impact by improving the legal landscape, empowering human
rights defenders, and providing vital support to victims of human rights abuses.
4. The 2024 population census provides a
comprehensive overview of the country's demographic landscape, planners, and
stakeholders to make informed decisions that will shape the future of the
nation.
Thank you for reading. Happy new week,
Happy July, 2024
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