HRCU WEEKLY ANALYSIS | 12TH TO 18TH MAY 2025
THE WEEK OF 12TH TO 18TH
MAY
2025
Dear Reader,
The Human
Rights Centre Uganda welcomes you to a new week and is pleased to share its
latest updates, focusing on human rights and key emerging issues from the past week, particularly those impacting human rights
defenders (HRDs) in Uganda.
These
updates underscore critical areas that warrant the continued attention and
advocacy of human rights defenders, with the aim of steadily improving the
environment in which they operate.
NATIONAL UPDATES
EUROPEAN UNION RAISES CONCERN ON
RISING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS IN UGANDA
The head of the European Union
Delegation to Uganda, Ambassador Jan Sadek has expressed concern about
increased reports of human rights abuses and extrajudicial actions by security
forces.
Source:
https://www.independent.co.ug/eu-raises-concern-on-rising-human-rights-violations-in-uganda/?utm
MUHOOZI DEMANDS UHRC APOLOGY OVER
EDDIE MUTWE, BLASTS EU FOR MEETING BOBI WINE
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba demanded
an apology from the Uganda Human Rights Commission for condemning Eddie Mutwe's
detention, calling the commission's letter "stupid." He also
criticized the European Union for engaging with opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Source:
FEARLESS UHRC BOSS WANGADYA REFUSES TO
APOLOGIZE TO MUHOOZI OVER EDDIE MUTWE LETTER
The Uganda
Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Chairperson
Mariam Wangadya declined to apologize to Gen.Muhoozi Kainerugaba after ordering
the release of Eddie Mutwe, who was allegedly tortured in military custody. She
defended her actions as constitutional and vowed to hold rights violators
accountable.
Source:
BISHOP JJUMBA DECRIES INCREASING
TORTURE OF SUSPECTS
Masaka
Diocesan Bishop Serverus Jjumba has condemned the increasing cases of torture
of suspects in State security detention, saying it is inhuman and for uncalled
for. According to him, it is saddening to see suspects who have been in the
hands of the state security agencies appearing in court limoing and unable to
walk on their own.
Source:
PARLIAMENT RECEIVES BILL TO AMEND UPDF
COURT STRUCTURE
The government
has introduced the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Amendment Bill,2025 an
anticipated and potentially controversial piece of legislation aimed at
restructuring military courts that were outlawed earlier this year.
Source:
https://parliamentwatch.ug/news-amp-updates/parliament-receives-bill-to-amend-updf-court-structure/
GOVT BANS PUBLIC DISPLAY OF UNEB
RESULTS
The ministry
of Education and Sports has banned schools from publishing candidates’ national
examination results in the media, citing violation of the Data Protection and
Privacy Act,2019.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-bans-public-display-of-uneb-results-5041868
NEW LAW SEEKS TO FORCE POLITICAL
PARTIES TO TALK.
Political
Parties that will not subscribe to the National Consultative Forum (NCF)_and
fail to engage in dialogue under the Inter-Party Organization for Dialogue
(IPOD) will not get government funding.
Source:
LAWYER SUES CHINESE CONTRACTOR OVER
RAJIV'S ROAD CRASH
Lawyer and civic rights activist
Joshua Okello has filed a case in Uganda’s High Court against China State
Construction Engineering Corporation, seeking accountability for the death of
businessman Rajiv Ruparelia, who died in a car crash after hitting road
barriers in Wakiso District. The case could establish new legal standards for
public safety and accountability in road construction.
Source:
REGIONAL UPDATES
SUDAN’S
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS DEEPENS IN DARFUR
The deteriorating security situation
in Sudan continues to exact a severe humanitarian toll, particularly in the
Darfur region. On March 13, an attack by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El
Fasher, North Darfur, resulted in at least ten fatalities and twenty-three
injuries.
Source:
EU-SOUTH AFRICA PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS
ECONOMIC TIES
A major diplomatic and economic
breakthrough occurred as South Africa and the European Union launched their
first “Clean Trade and Investment Partnership” at the eighth EU-South Africa
summit in Cape Town.
Source:
M23 PEACE
TALKS ANNOUNCED FOLLOWING ANGOLA’S MEDIATION
Angola’s presidential office
has announced that direct discussions between the DRC government and the M23
rebel movement will commence on March 18 in Luanda. This development follows
mediation efforts by Angolan President João Lourenço, who recently met with DRC
President Felix Tshisekedi.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
NEW
POPE URGES
CHURCH TO RESPOND TO DIGITAL REVOLUTION
Pope Leo has called on the Church to
adapt to the digital revolution.
He emphasized the importance of embracing digital platforms
to reach the faithful and address contemporary challenges.
Source:
UKRAINE'S ZELENSKIY INSISTS ON
FACE-TO-FACE TALKS WITH PUTIN IN ISTANBUL
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy
announced that he would attend peace talks with Russia only if Vladimir Putin
was present. He challenged Putin, suggesting the Russian leader was afraid to
meet him in person. The Kremlin had not confirmed if Putin would join the
scheduled talks in Istanbul on Thursday, more than three years into the ongoing
conflict in Ukraine.
Source:
INDIA-PAKISTAN TRUCE APPEARS TO HOLD
DESPITE ACCUSATIONS OF VIOLATIONS
A ceasefire between India and
Pakistan appears to hold. Despite
accusations of violations by both sides. Explosions rocked several parts of Kashmir hours
after the truce was announced, but both countries have reiterated their
commitment to the agreement.
Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/india-pakistan-operation-sindoor-05-10-25
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- The escalating human rights violations in Uganda and the observations made by international establishments such as European Union sets a reminder to all relevant stakeholders be they rights holders or duty bearers to continue advocating for the promotion, protection and realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. Human rights defenders must continue working together and raising collective voice to see that abuses and violations of human rights come to an end. The Constitution must be upheld in its entirety. No one should be found to act as though they are above the law since all Ugandans are equal before the law. All matters must be handled with the spirit of creating a peaceful and just society where all persons can enjoy their universally recognized rights.
- Civilian oversight remains a key issue affecting impartiality and due process. As the amendment of the UPDF Act goes on, it is important to gove the process critical attention and to ensure that proper consultations are done. Otherwise, there is a risk of having an amended law that will place the quest for justice in double jeopardy.
- The reported use of torture by security agencies infringes on Articles 23, 24 and 28 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda in relation to the rights to liberty and security of the person; freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment; fair trial/hearing and; Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) leading to coerced confessions and biased proceedings. Additionally, torture breaches the right to dignity and the right to health and bodily integrity, causing both physical and psychological harm. Let us all continue to advocate against torture.
- Proponents of the ban on public display of UNEB results believe that this will reduce stigma for underperforming students. Data protection is increasingly becoming a subject for discussion and consideration. Human rights defenders and the general public must be careful to read and understand the Data Protection and Privacy Act, 2019 (Cap.97). It remains to be understood how schools shall market their business because this was one of the channels through which they would attract more pupils or students. It is natural for parents to take their children to schools that teach well or that have high performance for their children. However, from what the Ministry advises, schools can showcase their achievements through co-curricular activities, community outreach and development initiatives.
- As we head to 2026 and the intensification of political pressure, it is important for all discussions, policies and laws to ensure that there is harmony and creation of a fair or balanced ground for dialogue between all stakeholders. There shouldn’t be any form of coercion or force exerted on any political party of person. Instead, free expression and unity for common cause and peaceful elections should be the spirit that binds each of us.
- On the regional and international level, leaders and stakeholders should continue advocating for respect and observance of human rights and freedoms for all. Wars, fights and resultant deaths must be minimized at all costs. There ought to be policies and mechanisms to curb disaster.
THANK YOU FOR READING. ADVOCACY LIVES
ON.
Comments
Post a Comment