HRCU WEEKLY ANALYSIS | 14TH - 20TH APRIL 2025
Dear Reader,
The Human Rights Centre Uganda welcomes the new week and shares the latest updates, focusing on key issues affecting human rights defenders (HRDs) in Uganda from 14th to 20th April 2025.
These updates aim, among others, at sparking meaningful insights and discussions, inspiring action, and advancing the
protection of human rights in Uganda and globally.
NATIONAL UPDATE
UPROAR OVER BESIGYE BAIL DENIAL SPARKS
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL OUTCRY
The denial of bail to Ugandan
opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye has sparked widespread protests, with both
national and international outcry condemning it as politically motivated.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uproar-over-besigye-bail-denial-5002048#story
KARUMA BRIDGE REOPENS AFTER 3-WEEK
CLOSURE
Karuma bridge has officially reopened
following a three-week closure for essential maintenance works.
Source:
https://observer.ug/news/karuma-bridge-reopens-after-3-week-closure/
GOVT URGES SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS TO
SOLVE CLIMATE, TRANSPORT WOES
The government has called for the
adoption of sustainable innovations to address climate change and
transportation challenges, emphasizing eco-friendly solutions for long-term
development and resilience.
Source:
MPS START DEBATE TO FORCE CIVILIANS TO
ARMY COURTS
Members of Parliament are expected to
kick-start the journey of returning civilians to be tried in military courts,
barely three months after the Supreme Court blocked the trial of civilians in
the army courts. The journey is expected
to start with the re-tabling of the UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was withdrawn
by the government’s Chief Whip Hamson Obua on February 20.
Source:
LAWYER PETITIONS SUPREME COURT TO
BLOCK RETURN OF CIVILIANS TO MILITARY COURTS
Ugandan lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi
has petitioned the Supreme Court to block a bill restoring military court
jurisdiction over civilians, arguing it defies a recent landmark ruling.
Source:
REGIONAL UPDATES
ATTACK BY GUNMEN LEAVES AT LEAST 40 PEOPLE DEAD IN NIGERIA,
THE COUNTRY’S PRESIDENT SAYS
A violent attack occurred in the Zike
community of Plateau State, Nigeria, resulting into the death of 40 people per
the statement made by the countries’ President Bola Tinubu.
Source:
https://apnews.com/article/nigeria-raid-attack-killed-db71fad73dc1a15499079d5e6af19339
SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
( SADC) WITHDRAWS TROOPS FROM DRC AMID MARCH 23 MOVEMENT (M23) ADVANCE
SADC is withdrawing its peacekeeping
forces from the DRC due to M23 rebel advances. This decision follows a summit
that called for a political solution, with peace talks set to begin in Angola.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
SINGAPORE ANNOUNCES GENERAL ELECTION
ON MAY 3, 2025 AFTER PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED
Singapore will hold its general
election on May 3, with Nomination Day on April 23. This will be Prime Minister
Lawrence Wong’s first election, as the ruling People’s Action Party faces
challenges amid voter concerns over the economy and rising cost
Source:
IRAQ SANDSTORM LEAVES MANY WITH
BREATHING PROBLEMS
A sandstorm in Iraq has caused
breathing problems for over 1,000 people and disrupted power and flights.
Experts link the rising frequency of such storms to climate change.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0kxznxyx5do
5.2-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE STRIKES
JULIAN, CALIFORNIA
A 5.2-magnitude earthquake hit Julian,
California causing minor disruptions but no major damage or injuries. The shake
alert system provided brief warnings, and some transportation services were
delayed due to debris.
Source:
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- We will continue to remind ourselves that application for bail is a constitutional right provided for under Article 23 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 (as amended). The courts of law or courts of competent jurisdiction have the discretion to grant bail on set conditions. HRCU’s call on all relevant institutions is to see to it that persons charged with offences are not unjustifiably denied bail when they apply for it. This is the true test of justice and the principles or standards of fair hearing and justice.
- It is interesting to see the reopening of Karuma bridge after major works were concluded. Infrastructural development is key as it aids not only business and human rights but also allows for the right to freedom of movement within the country. The call is to see that all roads in Uganda have better connectivity from one region to another. It is only through this that citizens will enjoy their rights and fundamental freedoms to the full.
- The Ugandan government's push for sustainable transport solutions, including a shift to electric public transport by 2030, promises environmental and economic benefits. However, it faces challenges like the need for substantial investment and infrastructure development. Collaboration will be crucial to overcoming these obstacles.
- The move by MPs to force civilians into military courts is a direct challenge to constitutionalism, judicial independence, and human rights in Uganda. It undermines a Supreme Court ruling, risks politicizing justice, and threatens civil liberties. Rather than strengthening justice, it signals authoritarian overreach and weakens public trust in democratic institutions.
- The petition to block the return of civilians to military courts is a crucial defense of constitutionalism and human rights in Uganda. It challenges a move that threatens judicial independence and risks reversing democratic gains. Reinstating such trials would violate fair trial guarantees, invite political abuse, and damage Uganda’s international reputation. The Supreme Court’s decision will significantly shape the country’s legal and democratic future.
- Throughout the course of time, human rights defenders should work towards promotion and strive for the protection of civil and political rights with the aim of checking the excesses of the State and calling all relevant actors to account. Additionally, they should promote and strive for the protection and realization of economic, social and cultural rights while at the same time calling for peaceful co-existence of all people. Together, we make this world a better place to live in.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR READING THE UPDATES. LET US KEEP IN TOUCH.
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