HRCU WEEKLY ANALYSIS | 24TH - 30TH MARCH 2025
THE
WEEK OF 24TH TO 30TH MARCH 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Partner
in promoting human rights;
A very warm welcome to this new week!
The Human Rights Centre Uganda
welcomes everyone back from Eid celebration hoping that all went on well and
that God will continue to reward everyone who obeys him and does good unto
others.
HRCU brings you some of the key
highlights from last week in the context of human rights, key emerging issues
and the working environment of human rights defenders in Uganda and appreciates
everyone who takes time off to not only read/review the updates but also
reflects on the information.
Below are some of the captured
stories:
NATIONAL UPDATE
KABAKA CALLS FOR PEACE, FAIRNESS IN EID
EL-FITR MESSAGE
The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has urged
Muslims to uphold religious values, peace, and fairness as they celebrate Eid
El-Fitr.
In a statement, the Kabaka congratulated Muslims on completing
the holy month of fasting and encouraged them to instil religious values in
their children. He expressed concern over the rising acts of violence, cruelty,
and discrimination in Uganda, calling on the faithful to stand against
injustice in public service allocation and employment.
“This time
should be dedicated to God to prevent the violence that often arises during
elections and to enable us to elect leaders who are just, sensible, and
committed to both the Kingdom and their country,” he stated.
Source: Nile Post: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/250871/kabaka-calls-for-peace-fairness-in-eid-el-fitr-message
DON'T
RELEASE BESIGYE ON BAIL, STATE ASKS COURT
The state has opposed opposition
leader Dr. Kizza Besigye's bail, citing concerns over serious charges,
potential interference with investigations, and flight risk. Besigye's defense
argues for his bail based on constitutional rights. The court has yet to decide.
Source:
ELIAS NALUKOOLA SWORN IN AS KAWEMPE
NORTH MP
Elias Nalukoola was officially sworn
in as the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North in a ceremony held on
Wednesday 26th March, 2025 in the Speaker's chambers, presided over
by Speaker Anita Among. This took place while Parliament was in recess to
address policy statements.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/news/250164/nalukoola-sworn-in-as-kawempe-north-mp-in-speakers-chambers
UGANDA NATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL
AUTHORITY WARNS OF ABNORMAL RAINS, HAILSTORMS, AND STRONG WINDS THIS SEASON
The Uganda National Meteorological
Authority has issued a warning about abnormal weather patterns this season,
forecasting heavy rains, hailstorms, flash floods, lightning, and strong winds.
The authority urged the public to take precautions against these extreme
weather conditions, which could disrupt daily activities and cause damage to
property.
Source:
https://x.com/nbstv/status/1904166961757446347
DEATH TOLL FROM WEDNESDAY'S KAMPALA
FLOODS RISES TO SEVEN
The death toll from Wednesday's
Kampala floods has risen to seven, with two more bodies recovered, one of which
is an employee of the U.S. Mission in Uganda. Authorities are continuing search
efforts as heavy rains have caused widespread damage and displacement.
Emergency services are assisting affected residents.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/death-toll-rises-to-seven-in-latest-kampala-f-NV_207685
KARUMA, AYAGO BRIDGES CLOSED FOR
REPAIRS
Karuma and Ayago bridges on the
kampala-Gulu highway have been closed to traffic from Monday,24th
March 2025, to facilitate the installation of expansion joints,the government
has announced.
Source
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/karuma-and-ayago-bridges-closed-for-repairs-NV_207514
CHINA DONATES SHS 7.3 BILLION WORTH OF
RICE IN KARAMOJA
China has donated rice worth 2 million
USD (about 7.3 billion shillings) to Uganda to aid vulnerable communities and
school children in Karamoja. The donation follows Uganda's request for
emergency food assistance. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed the rice
has been tested and approved by the Uganda Bureau of Standards and is ready for
distribution.
Source:
https://www.ntv.co.ug/ug/news/national/china-donates-shs7-3billion-worth-of-rice-in-karamoja-4980396
REGIONAL UPDATES
NAMIBIA SWEARS IN FIRST FEMALE
PRESIDENT
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been sworn
in as Namibia's first female president, after winning the November election
with 58% of the vote. At 72, she faces significant challenges, including high
unemployment and inequality. As a long-time member of Swapo, Nandi-Ndaitwah
emphasizes the ongoing issue of land ownership, particularly the presence of
absentee white landowners, as a legacy of apartheid.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8ln5g12wo
EAST CONGO CEASEFIRE IN TROUBLE AS
REBELS STAY IN STRATEGIC TOWN
The ceasefire in eastern Congo is in
jeopardy as M23 rebels continue to occupy the strategic town of Walikale, a key
mining hub. Despite an agreement to withdraw, the rebels have stayed due to the
presence of Congolese forces, delaying peace efforts. This disruption threatens
supply routes and the region's stability. The ongoing conflict has led Angola
to end its mediation role, and a new African nation will take over the peace
process. The situation highlights the challenges in achieving lasting peace in
the region.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
ISRAELI
STRIKES KILL SCORES IN GAZA AS EGYPT OFFERS NEW CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL
Israeli
airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 65 Palestinians,
including women and children. The ongoing violence has caused a significant
humanitarian crisis, with more than 50,000 casualties reported since the
conflict began. In response, Egypt has proposed a ceasefire plan, which
includes a temporary halt in fighting and the release of hostages by Hamas in
exchange for humanitarian aid.
Source:
PROTESTS
ERUPT IN TURKEY FOLLOWING ARREST OF ISTANBUL'S MAYOR
Following
the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on charges of corruption and
terrorism, widespread protests have erupted across Turkey. Since March 19, over
1,100 (One thousand one hundred) individuals have been detained, including ten
journalists. The arrest has drawn international criticism, with German
Chancellor Olaf Scholz describing it as "totally unacceptable." The
situation highlights ongoing political tensions within the country.
Source:
18 DEAD IN SOUTH KOREA'S WORST
WILDFIRES IN HISTORY
18 people have been killed and 19
injured as wildfires continue to devastate South Korea's southeast region.
Acting President Han Duck-soo described the crisis as
"unprecedented," calling it the worst wildfire disaster in the
nation's history. The majority of the victims are in their 60s and 70s, and
over 23,000 people have been evacuated. The fires also destroyed an old Gounsa
temple in Uiseong city, though many cultural relics were safely removed.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1lp365pd1go
MYANMAR QUAKE DEATH TOLL
RISES TO 1,644 AS RESISTANCE MOVEMENT ANNOUNCES PARTIAL CEASEFIRE
A unilateral partial ceasefire to
facilitate earthquake relief efforts was announced on Saturday by Myanmar’s
shadow National Unity Government, which coordinates the popular struggle
against the ruling military. The country’s death toll from the disaster soared
to 1,644.
The figure was a sharp rise compared to
the 1,002 announced just hours earlier, highlighting the difficulty of
confirming casualties over a widespread region and the likelihood that the
numbers will continue to grow from Friday’s
7.7 magnitude quake. The number of injured increased to 3,408, while
the missing figure rose to 139.
Source:
AP NEWS: https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-bangkok-earthquake-0a2bd512bca189d034905566605989e9
WEEK’S ANALYSIS
- Application for bail is a Constitutional right provided for under Article 23 (6) (a) to the effect that where a person is arrested in respect of a criminal offence, the person is entitled to apply to the court to be released on bail, and the court may grant that person bail on such conditions as the court considers reasonable. The state's request to deny Dr. Kizza Besigye bail could undermine judicial independence and democracy. The decision could either reinforce public trust in the judiciary or escalate political tensions. A fair and transparent ruling is crucial for maintaining confidence in Uganda’s justice system.
- The Uganda National Meteorological Authority's warning of extreme weather highlights the need for preparedness. Timely actions can minimize disaster impacts while failure to act could lead to dire consequences. The fact that some lives have already been lost points to the need for all Ugandans to be responsible for their lives. They ought to take care especially when it rains heavily by avoiding moving to the flooded areas. Rights come with responsibilities.
- China’s donation of Shs7.3billion worth of rice to Karamoja provides immediate relief to vulnerable communities but raises concerns about long-term food security. While helpful in the short term, it underscores the need for sustainable solutions, such as improving local agriculture and infrastructure, to address the root causes of food insecurity and reduce dependency on foreign aid.
- Seeing and having women rise up the leadership ladder to the level of President is a sign of confidence and advancement in the women’s movement. Times change and so does leadership. It has been common practice to see men competing for high positions in society but now we see women too, coming up and this sends a strong message that “women can” if given opportunity to compete at any level in life/society.
- Deaths arising from unforeseen circumstances such as floods and murders are a cause for worry. The question is on how best we could prevent such deaths. Can we be a little more careful and vigilant? Disaster preparedness and risk management are some critical considerations for us to ponder on and plan in line with. The authorities could do more to ensure that the drainage system is well developed within the city and other areas of the country. Individuals should also be personally responsible for their lives by avoiding placing themselves in the line of danger.
THANKS FOR READING! WISHING YOU A
GREAT WEEK!
This is highly relevant. Thanks for the consistency and inspiration. It is an honor to be part of this mighty Forum.
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