HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 14TH TO 20TH JULY 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Valued Partner,
As
we embark on a new week in our shared pursuit of justice and human dignity, the
Human Rights Centre Uganda reaffirms its steadfast commitment to protecting and
promoting the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
In
light of evolving challenges, we urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and
proactive. Transparent communication and strong collaboration are essential to
developing lasting, rights-based solutions.
Below
is a summary of key developments from the past week. We are deeply grateful for
your continued dedication to advancing human rights and justice.
NATIONAL UPDATES
RETIRED
SUPREME COURT JUDGE GEORGE KANYEIHAMBA DIES
Retired
Ugandan Supreme Court judge and prominent legal Scholar Prof. George Kanyeihamba passed away on Monday July 14, 2025. Kanyeihamba died at the age of 85 years and is appreciated for his great contribution to access to justice and constitutionalism in Uganda.
Source:
UGANDAN
YOUTH RENEW CALLS TO HALT OIL PIPELINE OVER ENVIRONMENTAL, RIGHTS CONCERNS
A
youth-led environmental movement in Uganda has renewed demands for the financial
institutions to withdraw support from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline
(EACOP), warning of ongoing human rights violations and ecological damage.
Source:
IGAD
MEMBER STATES PLAN UNIFIED SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH STRATEGY
Member
states of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have pledged
closer collaboration to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services
across Eastern Africa through the African Demographic Dividend and Sexual and
Reproductive Health (A2DSRH) programme.
Source:
BOBI
WINE SLAMS JUDICIARY OVER POLITICAL BIAS, DEMANDS ACTION ON RIGHTS ABUSES
The
President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,
alias Bobi Wine has criticized Uganda’s judicial system, accusing it of
enabling political persecution and undermining the rule of law.
Source:
CONSTITUTIONAL
COURT UPHOLDS POLYGAMY
A
man is at liberty to marry more than one wife, the Constitutional Court has
ruled. In a July 10th unanimous landmark judgement, the court held
that the practice of polygamy is a matter of “choice” by consenting adults and
that one shouldn’t turn around and complain about the social evils associated
to it.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/constitutional-court-upholds-polygamy-5118654
KIZZA
BESIGYE SUES KENYA GOV’T OFFICIAL, POLICE CHIEF OVER “ILLEGAL KIDNAP’’
Besigye
and Lutale sued Kenya’s cabinet secretaries of foreign affairs’ ministry,
defence ministry, interior and national administration, Inspector General of Police,
Director general of the directorate of immigration services, Attorney General
and officer in-charge of Malaba border post.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/kizza-besigye-sues-kenya-govt-officials-polic-NV_214663
KOBOKO-YUMBE-MOYO
ROAD PROJECT SET TO DRIVE TRADE AND TRANSFORMATION IN WEST NILE
A
major infrastructure upgrade is reshaping the economic outlook of Uganda’s West
Nile sub-region. The Koboko-Yumbe-Moyo (KYM) road-stretching 10.08 kilometers
is being transformed from gravel to a modern concrete asphalt highyway under a
USD 130 million (approximately Shs 494 billion) world bank grant.
Source:
REGIONAL UPDATES
KENYA ABOLISHES VISA
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL AFRICAN NATIONS AND CARIBBEAN NATIONS
In a groundbreaking move
aimed at enhancing regional integration and attracting more visitors, the
Kenyan government has officially eliminated visa requirements for citizens of
all African nations and select Caribbean countries. The announcement marks a
significant policy shift designed to ease cross-border travel, promote tourism,
and reaffirm Kenya’s commitment to Pan-African unity.
Source:
TANZANIA'S ELECTORAL
COMMISSION BOSS BACKS MERIT IN SELECTION OF POLLING OFFICIALS
The Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) chairperson, Justice Jacobs Mwambegele, has
directed elections supervisors to deploy competent and qualified polling
station staff who fully understand their duties.
Source:
SOUTH
AFRICAN POLICE MINISTER SUSPENDED OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
South
African President Cyril Ramaphosa has suspended his police minister “with
immediate effect” over corruption allegations, a week after a provincial police
chief made the accusations.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
ISRAEL BOMBS SYRIA’S DRUZE CITY OF SUWAYDA
HOURS AFTER CEASEFIRE
Israeli forces have
launched air strikes on Suwayda in southern Syria, as fighting returned to the
predominantly Druze city hours after the Syrian government declared a
ceasefire.
Source:
UN RAPPORTEUR
DEMANDS GLOBAL ACTION TO STOP ISRAEL’S ‘GENOCIDE’ IN GAZA
The United Nations’s
special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory has said that it is
time for nations around the world to take concrete actions to stop Israel’s
“genocide” in Gaza.
Source:
COURT SAYS TRUMP
CAN’T BAR REFUGEES FROM ENTERING US WITH TRAVEL BAN
A United States federal
judge has ruled that the administration of President Donald Trump cannot block
approved refugees from entering the country under the guise of a wider travel
ban.
Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/15/court-says-trump-cant-bar-refugees-from-entering-us-with-travel-ban
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- Ugandan youth opposing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline rely on Article 39 of Uganda’s Constitution and Article 24 of the African Charter, calling for transparent decision-making and indigenous rights under Uganda’s National Environment Act. The case Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment v. Attorney General (2011) reaffirmed the state’s duty to protect the environment and balanced development.
- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s Sexual and Reproductive Health strategy aligns with the Maputo Protocol (Article 14) and UN SDG 3.7. Laws vary, with Ethiopia’s Penal Code (2005) permitting abortion under conditions, while Uganda’s Constitution and Adolescent Health Policy (2015) support sexual health. The case Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development v. Attorney General (2011) highlighted government failure in maternal healthcare.
- The Constitutional Court’s decision upholding polygamy under Article 37 of the Ugandan Constitution affirms cultural and religious rights but conflicts with equality and non-discrimination protections under Articles 21 and 33 of the Ugandan Constitution. The ruling overlooks power imbalances and lacks safeguards for women’s property, inheritance, and welfare rights. Legislative reforms are needed to ensure consent and protection for women and children. The issue remains contentious, with activists urging Parliament to discourage polygamy in the Marriage Bill debates. For more details on the debate, read: Women activists dismiss polygamy in Marriage Bill.
- Kenya’s visa abolition for African and Caribbean nationals is based on the Kenyan Immigration Act, aligning with the African Union Protocol and East African Community agreements. The case Kenya National Commission on Human Rights v. Attorney General (2017) emphasized protecting freedom of movement and preventing discrimination.
- Tanzania’s merit-based selection of polling officials is backed by the National Electoral Commission Act, Cap. 262, Article 74 of the Constitution (1977), and Mzee Pius Msekwa v. Attorney General (2000), which stress impartiality to ensure fair elections and independence.
- Minister Mchunu’s suspension responds to corruption allegations, upholding constitutional principles and due process. Cases like McBride and Glenister emphasize independent oversight, but credibility of inquiries affects public trust.
- The UN Special Rapporteur’s genocide claim in Gaza is legally supported by international law and the ICJ’s 2024 provisional measures. Under the Genocide Convention and Bosnia and Herzegovina v. Serbia and Montenegro (2007), states must prevent genocide, with calls for embargoes and sanctions to enforce this duty.
- The ruling blocking Trump’s refugee travel ban follows key decisions like International Refugee Assistance Project v. Trump (2017) and Trump v. Hawaii (2018). It reinforces those executive actions on immigration must respect constitutional rights and refugee protections, and that courts will review bans to prevent discrimination and ensure due process.
THANKS FOR READING. UNTIL NEXT WEEK!
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