HRCU WEEKLY ANALYSIS | 21ST TO 26TH APRIL 2025
THE WEEK OF 21ST TO 26TH APRIL 2025
Dear Reader,
The Human Rights Centre Uganda welcomes
the new week and shares its
latest updates focusing on human rights and key
emerging
issues from the past
week especially those affecting
human rights defenders (HRDs) in Uganda.
These updates highlight some of the
key aspects that require the attention and continued advocacy of/by human rights
defenders to see that the environment within which they operate becomes better
by day.
NATIONAL
UPDATES
AFRICA
REMEMBERS POPE FRANCIS WHO SPOKE FOR CONTINENT
Millions of
African Catholics, as well as the continent’s leaders, are mourning a man who
they felt spoke for Africa. Pope
Francis made
significant efforts to make the Catholic faith more inclusive, particularly
across cultures, nations, and diverse communities.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/news/254521/africa-remembers-pope-who-spoke-for-the-continent
DR. KIZZA BESIGYE AND HAJJ OBEID
LUTALE, HAVE ONCE AGAIN APPLIED FOR BAIL
Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj
Obeid Lutale, have once again applied for bail at the Criminal Division of the
High Court in Kampala. According to the duo, their advanced ages of 68 and
65 respectively make it difficult for them to cope with the harsh prison
condition they have experienced during their detention at Luzira Prison.
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/besigye-lutale-apply-for-bail-after-150-days-NV_209359
JUDGE GRANTS RELIEF TO FUGITIVE UGANDA
LAW SOCIETY PRESIDENT SSEMAKADDE
Judge
Paul Gadenya Wolimbwa of the high
court in Kampala has
given self- exiled president of Uganda Law Society Isaac Ssemakadde temporary
relief by halting the execution of his arrest warrant. It may be
recalled that on March 19, 2025, Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi had issued an
international arrest warrant against Mr. Ssemakadde.
Source:
KAMPALA TO ENFORCE 30KM/HR SPEED LIMIT
TO BOOST ROAD SAFETY
Uganda will implement the Traffic
and Road Safety (Speed Limit) Regulations, 2024, reducing speed limits from 50km/hr to 30km/hr in
urban areas, school zones, and built-up areas. The regulation aims to improve road safety and reduce fatalities and injuries caused by speeding.
Source:
https://observer.ug/news/kampala-to-enforce-30km-hr-speed-limit-for-safer-roads/?utm
NSSF
WANTS CASUAL WORKERS INCLUDED IN SAVINGS SCHEME
The NSSF is pushing for casual workers
and interns in Uganda to be included in the social security system, as many
employers fail to make required contributions despite legal mandates, even
though these workers often have regular hours and earn salaries.
Source:
UGANDA ESTABLISHES TOBACCO CONTROL
COMMITTEE TO COMBAT SMOKING
The Uganda Tobacco Control Committee has been launched
with a clear mission to enforce tobacco laws and reduce smoking. The Ministry
of Health reconstituted the committee to combat the rise in tobacco use,
especially in cities like Kampala.
Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng called
for action at the launch. She urged members to remain vigilant and avoid
corruption. “Tobacco is killing thousands
of Ugandans every year. We must stop this,” she said.
Source:
https://kampalaexpress.com/uganda-forms-new-tobacco-control-committee-to-curb-smoking/
REGIONAL
UPDATES
CIVILIANS IN EASTERN CONGO SEEK MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT AMID
ONGOING CONFLICT
Civilians in eastern Congo are turning to mental health support
to cope with the trauma of ongoing conflict. Despite limited resources, many
seek healing and hope for a peaceful future.
Source:
GHANA'S CHIEF JUSTICE TORKORNOO
SUSPENDED AMID CONTROVERSY
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has
been suspended over three misconduct petitions, triggering political backlash
and public debate.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/04/23/ghana-tensions-rise-as-chief-justice-torkornoo-suspended/
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
HARVARD UNIVERSITY SUES TRUMP
ADMINISTRATION OVER $2.2
BILLION FUNDING FREEZE
Harvard
University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration over
the freezing of $2.2 billion in federal research grants.
Source:
PUTIN WILLING TO
DISCUSS ZELENSKIY'S CALL FOR HALT TO ATTACKS ON CIVILIAN INFRASTRUCTURE
Russian President Putin is willing to
consider Ukrainian President Zelenskiy's proposal for a halt to attacks on each
other's civilian infrastructure.
Source:
JUDGE HALTS TRUMP'S
SHUTDOWN OF VOICE OF AMERICA
Judge Royce Lamberth ruled
the Trump administration's attempt to shut down Voice of America (VOA) was
unlawful, ordering the reinstatement of affected employees. The decision is a
win for Voice of America
(VOA)
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0jz58zjllzo
SOUTH KOREA’S
EX-PRESIDENT MOON JAE-IN INDICTED FOR BRIBERY
Former South Korean
President Moon Jae-in has been indicted for bribery. Moon is accused of appointing former lawmaker to
nonprofit in exchange for hiring of his then son-in-law.
Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/24/south-koreas-ex-president-moon-jae-in-indicted-for-bribery
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale’s renewed bail application, after over 150 days on remand, raises concerns about due process and judicial independence in Uganda. Application for bail is a right embedded in Article 23 of the Constitution. In its nature, it’s not absolute since the judicial officers have discretion in its grant. In all matters, principles of justice and fairness must be the guiding factors.
- The relief granted to Isaac Ssemakadde marks a pivotal point for Uganda’s judiciary, emphasizing the need to balance institutional authority with free expression. We wait to see what becomes of the case before the High Court but in the meantime, all processes should be allowed to take their course, legally.
- Pope Francis’s legacy is defined by his focus on social justice, environmental advocacy, and reform within the Church. Human rights defenders should emulate the example of Pope Francis by preaching progressive development and calling for peace and harmony at all material times.
- The NSSF’s initiative to include casual workers in Uganda’s savings scheme is a significant step toward broader social protection. Its success hinges on addressing challenges like awareness, affordability, and administrative capacity. If implemented well, it could improve financial security for informal sector workers.
- Uganda's Tobacco Control Committee aims to reduce tobacco use and related health issues through effective law enforcement, public education, and encouraging healthy habits and behavioral change. Success will depend on strong leadership, collaboration with stakeholders, and focus on youth protection.
- Ultimately, HRCU and human rights defenders must have a desire to see better world order where human rights and fundamental freedoms for all can be promoted, protected and realized be it at grass-root, national, regional or international level.
THANK YOU
FOR READING. UNTIL NEXT WEEK!
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