HRCU APRIL - JUNE 2025 NEWSLETTER

NEWSLETTER

April – June, 2025

"Resilience Through The Times: Working Towards A Better Environment For Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Defenders In Uganda"

Dear reader,

Warm greetings from the Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU)!

As we turn the pages of yet another dynamic quarter, HRCU is delighted to share with you a glimpse into some of the work undertaken between April and June 2025.

The events and engagements we are sharing with you were conducted under HRCU’s focus areas of capacity building; advocacy and networking; research and documentation, legal aid and; institutional capacity strengthening.

Among the many accomplishments, the following are highlighted in the Newsletter.

Quarterly dialogue meeting between Civil Society Organisations and the Minister of Internal Affairs
Reflection meetings on the NGO Regulatory Framework
Inception meetings under the Civic Improvement Project
Participation at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit Africa

Thank you for standing with us, reading us, and walking this journey with us. Together, we remain committed to building a more informed, engaged, and resilient human rights community.

Enjoy the read!

QUARTERLY DIALOGUE MEETING BETWEEN CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS AND THE MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

On 17^th June 2025, HRCU in partnership with the NGO Bureau and Uganda National NGO Forum convened a dialogue meeting at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala under the theme “The Role of Civil Society in Uganda’s Elections: Challenges and Opportunities,” with the aim of exploring the vital role of CSOs in Uganda’s elections and identify opportunities for meaningful engagement. This brought together 254 stakeholders including the Minister of Internal Affairs, representatives from the Electoral Commission Civil Society leadership from across the country.

Minister of Internal Affairs Hon Kahinda Otafiire while addressing CSO leaders at the dialogue meeting between the Minister of Internal Affairs and CSOs leaders on Uganda’s elections

The active participation of the Electoral Commission provided a platform for CSO leaders and representatives to directly share concerns and clarify processes around Uganda’s electoral management. As a result, this engagement strengthened the foundation for future collaboration aimed at promoting free, fair, and inclusive elections, ahead of Uganda’s 2026 election cycle.

HRCU’s Executive Director Ms. Margaret Sekaggya making remarks at the dialogue meeting between the Minister of Internal Affairs and CSO leaders

The immediate output from the dialogue meeting was a shared commitment to enhance information sharing between CSOs and the Electoral Commission, as well as renewed interest in joint civic education initiatives. Participants also agreed to continue quarterly engagements to track progress and address emerging challenges collectively. The dialogue reinforced the importance of partnership, trust, and proactive planning in safeguarding Uganda’s democratic processes.

Group photo of some of stakeholders attending the quarterly dialogue meeting between the Minister of Internal Affairs, Electoral Commission and CSO leaders on the role of CSOs in Uganda 2026 elections

HONORING A FRIEND OF CIVIL SOCIETY: FAREWELL TO AMBASSADOR KEVIN COLGAN

HRCU, through its Irish Aid–supported project, had the honour of bidding farewell to the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Kevin Colgan, whose unwavering support has played a key role in strengthening civil society and advancing human rights in Uganda.

During the dialogue meeting, HRCU presented Ambassador Colgan with a plaque and words of heartfelt appreciation, recognising his commitment to nurturing an environment where CSOs can thrive. His partnership has not only helped elevate the voice of civil society but also strengthened efforts to promote good governance and accountability across the sector.

As we mark this moment of transition, HRCU warmly thanks Ambassador Colgan for walking this journey with us and looks forward to building on this strong foundation to further support CSO governance and human rights work in Uganda.

(L-R) Mr. Robert Kirenga, Executive Director of National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda; Mr. Okello Stephen, Secretary NGO Bureau; H.E Kevin Colgan, Irish Ambassador to Uganda; Hon. Kahinda Otafiire, Minister of Internal Affairs; Ms. Margaret Sekaggya, ED-HRCU; Mr. Joseph Musanyufu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Internal Affairs and; Mr. Enock Kugonza, Electoral Commission

REGIONAL REFLECTION MEETINGS ON THE NGO REGULATORY FRAMEWORK (KABALE, SOROTI AND MBALE)

HRCU, together with the NGO Bureau and the Uganda National NGO Forum, organised three regional reflection meetings in Kabale, Soroti and Mbale, respectively. These brought together representatives from the NGO Bureau, District and City NGO Monitoring Committees and Civil Society Organisations and created an open space for meaningful dialogue on the provisions of Uganda’s NGO Regulatory Framework.

Participants also discussed current challenges affecting the operating environment of NGOs and shared perspectives on the ongoing consultations around the Regulatory Impact Assessment report. These discussions helped to clarify on the roles and responsibilities, surface practical concerns faced by CSOs on the ground, and identified ways to strengthen coordination and compliance.

Through these engagements, stakeholders were able to build mutual understanding and trust, paving the way for a more supportive and transparent framework for NGOs working across the country.

Group photo of stakeholder at the regional reflection meeting held on April 16^th and 17^th 2025 at Cephas Inn, Kabale

Group photo of stakeholder at the regional reflection meeting held in Soroti on 6^th and 7^th May 2025 at Hursey Resort, Soroti

COMMUNITY DIALOGUES TO HIGHLIGHT THE ROLE OF NGOS AND STRENGTHEN SUB-COUNTY MONITORING COMMITTEES (KABALE AND SOROTI)

Alongside the regional reflection meetings in Kabale and Soroti districts, HRCU facilitated two community dialogues in Kabale (Kitumba Sub County) and Soroti (Ocokican Sub County). These dialogues aimed to raise local awareness about the roles and contributions of NGOs while also reviewing how Sub County NGO Monitoring Committees are structured and how they function effectively.

The discussions drew together a diverse mix of community members, local leaders, and committee representatives who openly shared perspectives on how NGOs have positively impacted their areas, from improving access to education and healthcare, to supporting livelihoods and human rights awareness. Importantly, participants also reflected on the current composition of their monitoring committees. These committees recognised gaps in formalisation and pledged to strengthen their structures to better fulfil their oversight responsibilities.

As a result, the dialogues sparked practical commitments from local stakeholders to improve coordination between communities and NGOs. They also fostered stronger community ownership of monitoring processes, which is vital for transparency, accountability, and sustaining the positive impact of NGOs at the grassroots level.

RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION: MAKING THE NGO REGULATORY FRAMEWORK MORE ACCESSIBLE

HRCU developed and published user-friendly charts and detailed compendiums that provide a breakdown of the key guidelines within Uganda’s NGO Regulatory Framework. These resources were designed to help CSOs, District and Sub County NGO Monitoring Committees, and other stakeholders better understand their roles and responsibilities under the law.

This initiative will help bridge knowledge gaps and empowered more NGOs to comply confidently and engage more effectively with regulators. Ultimately, it’s a step towards making the operating environment for NGOs clearer, more transparent, and easier to navigate.

INCEPTION MEETINGS FOR THE CIVIC SPACE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (CSIP)

Between 2^nd and 6^th June 2025, HRCU organised and conducted inception meetings under its new “Civic Space Improvement Project (CSIP)” funded by the Embassies of Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands under the Project on Accountability, Civic Engagements and Rights (PACER). The main objective of the project is to improve civic space through collaboration between Government and NGOs by 2027.

The inception meetings aimed to introduce The Human Rights Centre Uganda and its mandate including the implementation of the new project, to the district leadership in Karamoja sub region (Nakapiripirit, Kotido and Kaabong districts) and West Nile sub region (Arua, Nebbi and Yumbe). The meetings brought together sixty participants in the six districts (10 from each district) who included representatives of the district leadership on the one hand and nongovernmental organisations on the other.

Through the meetings, HRCU was welcomed to the districts, appreciated and recognised for the important role it plays in working towards improvement of the working environment for human rights defenders and ensuring that human rights are not only promoted and protected but also made a living reality.

Mr. Kennedy Ochieng (HRCU) speaking about the project at the inception meeting in Nakapiripirit

Mr. Kennedy Ochieng hands to the CAO, Nakapiripirit a copy of the draft Memorandum of Understanding and other documents relating to the project

Representatives from local government and district leadership together with those from civil society attending the inception meeting in Kaabong

PARTICIPATION AT THE INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM (IRF) SUMMIT AFRICA

On Tuesday 17^th June 2025, Mr. Robert Mugisa (Senior Programme Officer – Advocacy, HRCU) attended the International Religious Summit (IRF) Africa at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi - Kenya. It was the first of its kind in Africa and aimed at considering the impact of government actions on religious freedom in Africa and the critical role played by faith communities in restoring peace to a region plagued by sectarian violence. It also aimed at gaining political support for religious freedom around the world and empower civil society, people of faith and governments to take a stand for the right of every person to practice their beliefs freely.

Mr. Robert Mugisa (front) at together with other delegates at the Summit

The Summit was very beneficial because HRCU continued to gain entry into regional discussions and made contribution on how best human rights defenders can be supported to continue speaking up for themselves and members of their communities to see that religious freedoms are respected, protected and realized. It also created a big opportunity for HRCU to network and further collaborate with HRDs and leaders at various levels to achieve religious freedom at national, regional and international level.

Mr. Robert Mugisa (Right) in a photo with fellow delegates from Uganda at the IRF Summit

Mr. Robert Mugisa (HRCU) (Left) in a photo with Mama Bola Obasanjo (Former First Lady of Nigeria) and other delegates at the IRF Summit

UPCOMING ENGAGEMENTS

Dialogue Meeting between the Minister of Internal Affairs and CSOs in Uganda.
Annual Partners’ Review meeting
Training of Journalists on reporting of human rights violations and abuses
Capacity building workshop for duty bearers on Human Rights Based Approach to implementation of laws
Training of trainers’ workshop on the Manual on HRBA to implementation of laws
Training of justice actors on youth mainstreaming
Training of Informal Justice Actors (local council court members, Youth councilors, religious leaders and Traditional leaders, refugee welfare committees)
Media engagements by the youth to raise awareness on access to justice and promote transparency of JLOS institutions
Commemoration of International Youth Days
Semi- annual meetings
Youth Mentorship programme
Conduct online Training of NGOs on compliance
Provide Compliance Support to selected NGOs and CBOs in West Nile and Karamoja
District Reflection Meetings
Support NGO regulatory Inter-Agency Platform Meetings
Adhoc Government- NGO Reflection Meetings
Conduct social and multimedia Campaigns focusing on regulatory challenges of NGOs in Uganda