HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 7TH TO 13THJULY 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Valued Partner,
As we begin a new week of united efforts
toward justice and human dignity, the Human Rights Centre Uganda reaffirms its
unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of all
individuals.
We call upon all stakeholders to stay alert
and responsive to emerging challenges. Open communication and effective
collaboration are vital to creating sustainable, rights-based solutions.
Please find below a summary of the key
developments from last week. Your continued commitment to the cause of human
rights and justice remains deeply appreciated.
NATIONAL UPDATES
ELECTIONS:
UGANDA DESERVES BETTER
Let 2026 and
beyond be different. Let it be the moment when Ugandans rural and urban, old
and young say enough is enough. Say no to bribes Say yes to leaders who care.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/editorial/elections-uganda-deserves-better-5112668
EAST
AFRICAN LAWYERS TO PROTEST IN UGANDA OVER PULLED APPEALS
A regional
bloc of lawyers is set to hold a peaceful protest at Uganda’s Court of Appeal
on Thursday, condemning what it described as the unlawful removal of four
critical appeals involving the Uganda Law Society (ULS) from the court
schedule.
Source:
UGANDA
ROLLS OUT NEW PLAN TO CAPTURE 17 MILLION UNREGISTERED CITIZENS
Uganda’s national identification agency will begin
registering school-going children later this month as it ramps up a nationwide
campaign to document millions of unregistered citizens.
Source:
WORLD BANK RAISES CONCERN ON CHILD DEATH, BAD WATER
The World Bank (WB) has identified elevated newborn
deaths, teenage pregnancy and childhood stunting as critical barriers to
Ugandan’s human capital development.
Source:
MUSEVENI
INSISTS ON FREE EDUCATION IN GOVT SCHOOLS
President
Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that education under UPE AND USE should be
free to ensure access for all children.
Source:
HOW 85
UGANDANS LOST SHS500M IN VISA SCAM
Police have
launched an investigation into a visa and overseas employment scam allegedly
mastermind by Christian Asiimwe, alias Don Chris, who is currently on the run
after reportedly defrauding 85 Ugandan of more than Shs 500 million.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/how-85-ugandans-lost-shs500m-in-visa-scam-5111006
MINISTER
MUHOOZI WARNS AGAINST TORTURE OF SUSPECTS
As Uganda
prepares for the 2026 General Election, the State Minister of Internal Affairs,
Gen David Muhoozi, has issued a stern warning to security agencies against
torturing suspects while in custody.
Source:
NO BESIGYE ON 2026 BALLOT AS HE CHAIRS PFF's
COUNCIL OF EMINENT PERSONS'
The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has confirmed
that its founding leader, Dr. Kizza Besigye,will not contest the party’s flag
bearer nomination, citing his role on the new Council of Eminent Persons’
Source:
NIRA
WARNS AGAINST IDENTITY FRAUD, CORRUPTION
NIRA
emphasized the importance of full national registration to close gaps used by
fraudsters. NIRA Officials further stated that NIRA services are free charge.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/news/270583/nira-warns-against-identity-fraudcorruption?utm
BEHIND
BARS, UGANDAN OPPOSITION FIGURE BESIGYE LAUNCHES A NEW POLITICAL PARTY
Opposition
leader Kizza Besigye's new party, the People’s Front for Freedom, was launched
in Kampala on Tuesday, while he remains jailed on treason charges. Supporters
displayed his portrait at the event, and he was expected to address attendees
via video or a written message.
Source:
UGANDA:
CORRUPTION WILL NOT BE TOLERATED - MUSEVENI TELLS PUBLIC SECTOR
President
Museveni has urged public servants to take the lead in advancing the country's
economic transformation agenda by promoting commercial agriculture,
industrialization, ICT, services, and efficient service delivery.
Source:
https://allafrica.com/stories/202507080035.html?utm
REGIONAL UPDATES
KENYA POLICE FIRE TEAR GAS AT
PROTESTERS AS CENTRAL NAIROBI SEALED OFF
Kenyan police have fired tear gas to
disperse protesters in the latest in a wave of anti-government rallies that
began last year.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78n397gzjpo
RAILA CALLS FOR NATIONAL DIALOGUE TO
END POLICE BRUTALITY, YOUTH CRISIS IN KENYA
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila
Odinga has called on President William Ruto to initiate an all-inclusive
national; dialogue leading to a referendum to address police brutality, rampant
corruption and the youth unemployment crisis.
Source:
LIBERIA'S HEALTH SECTOR STARES AT A
CRISIS AS USAID COMES TO AN END
Liberia is in crisis after the abrupt
end of USAID funding, which heavily supported its health system and other key
sectors. The withdrawal has left many, especially in rural areas, without
essential services like medicine and healthcare. Officials argue the cut should
have been gradual to help the country transition.
Source:
CAIRO TELECOM FIRE INJURES 14,
DISRUPTS INTERNET NATIONWIDE
A fire engulfed the main telecom
company building in downtown Cairo on Monday, injuring at least 14 people and
prompting a temporary outage of internet and mobile phone services.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/07/08/cairo-telecom-fire-injures-14-disrupts-internet-nationwide/
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
TEXAS FLOOD HIGHLIGHTS DEADLY CLIMATE
RISK FROM EXTREME WEATHER
The tragic Fourth of July flash flood
in Texas that has killed at least 78 people is shining a spotlight on the
nation’s growing vulnerability to climate disaster.
Source:
TOP EUROPEAN RIGHTS COURT SAYS RUSSIA
BROKE INTERNATIONAL LAW IN UKRAINE
Europe’s top human rights court has
ruled that Russia violated international law in Ukraine, marking the first time
an international court has found Moscow responsible for human rights abuses
since the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Source:
TUNISIA SENTENCES PROMINENT OPPOSITION
LEADER TO LENGTHY PRISON TERM
A Tunisian court has sentenced Rached
Ghannouchi, a leading opposition figure and head of the Ennahda movement, to 14
years in prison. The sentence is part of a broader case involving accusations
of conspiring against state security. Several other detained members of Ennahda
were also sentenced to 12 years.
Source:
UN EXPERT SAYS FIRMS AIDING ISRAEL’S
GENOCIDE CAN BE PROSECUTED
In her landmark UN report that accused
major companies of profiting from Israel’s genocide, Special Rapporteur
Francesca Albanese told Al Jazeera that the legal framework was ‘strong enough’
to hold them accountable under international law.
Source:
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- Uganda’s elections are governed by the 1995 Constitution (Articles 1(4), 59, 61), the Electoral Commission Act, and the Presidential Elections Act, mandating free and fair polls. Despite this, elections are often compromised by state interference and a lack of Electoral Commission independence. Cases like Besigye v. Museveni & EC highlight irregularities, though courts rarely annul results without strong evidence. Uganda needs urgent reforms to ensure transparency and credible elections because it deserves better.
- The removal of four key constitutional appeals by Uganda’s Court of Appeal has raised concerns about judicial independence from the East African Law Society. These cases involve issues protected under Articles 128 and 146(2)(c) of the Constitution. Landmark rulings like Law Society v. Attorney General (2014) emphasize protecting judicial autonomy. The legal community fears political interference is undermining public trust and calls for urgent reform.
- Uganda’s plan to register 17 million citizens, guided by the Registration of Persons Act, 2015 (Sections 4, 6, 7, and 8) and the Citizenship Act, aims to provide proper documentation for access to rights and services. The decentralized biometric system seeks to enhance coverage and governance. Challenges like limited resources and ensuring inclusivity must be addressed. This effort aligns with Kifamunte v. Electoral Commission (2011), which upholds citizens’ rights to identity and participation.
- The recent visa scam in Uganda, where 85 citizens lost Shs500 million, highlights gaps in consumer protection and cybersecurity enforcement. Uganda’s Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Computer Misuse Act, 2011, aim to safeguard against fraud but face implementation challenges. The scam underscores the need for stronger oversight, public education, and swift legal action. Courts like in Attorney General v. Uganda Communications Commission (2017) stress the state’s duty to protect citizens from cyber threats.
- Minister Muhoozi’s condemnation of torture reflects the need to uphold human dignity and legal protections in Uganda’s justice system. Torture breaches Article 24 of the 1995 Constitution and threatens law enforcement integrity. Cases like Uganda v. Robert Ssekabira & 10 Others show judicial efforts to address violations, but accountability challenges persist. Strengthening training, monitoring, and enforcement in security agencies is crucial to safeguard human rights and public trust.
- NIRA’s warning exposes serious challenges in Uganda’s ID system, risking citizens’ rights under the Registration of Persons Act, 2015, and Anti-Corruption Act, 2009. The judiciary, in Attorney General v. Uganda Communications Commission (2017), affirms the state’s duty to protect identity systems and fight corruption. Stronger enforcement, transparency, and public education are urgently needed to safeguard governance and trust.
- Uganda’s strong anti-corruption stance, led by President Museveni, is grounded in the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009, promoting accountability and good governance. Corruption undermines public trust and development, as noted in Attorney General v. Anti-Corruption Court (2015). Effective enforcement and prosecution are key to deterrence. Political will and institutional strength remain essential for transparent governance.
- The deployment of tear gas by Kenyan police during Nairobi protests highlights the balance between public order and freedoms under Article 37 of the Kenya Constitution.The Kenyan Public Order Act regulates demonstrations but faces criticism for limiting civil liberties. Cases like Odhiambo-Mbai v. Attorney General (2019) stress that force must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. Upholding these standards is crucial to preserving democracy and human rights amid tensions.
- The rising concern over police brutality and the youth crisis in Kenya, as highlighted by Raila Odinga’s call for national dialogue, brings focus to the state’s duty to uphold human rights and democratic values. Under Articles 37 and 238(2)(b) of the Kenya Constitution, 2010, citizens are entitled to peaceful assembly and protection from abuse by security forces. Repeated excessive force during protests reflects institutional gaps in accountability and oversight, while judicial decisions like Independent Policing Oversight Authority v. Attorney General (2018) reinforce the constitutional obligation to ensure responsible policing. A national dialogue offers a critical opportunity to implement long-overdue reforms and rebuild public trust.
- Russia’s violation of international law in Ukraine, as ruled by the European Court of Human Rights, highlights breaches of sovereignty and human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights. These actions contravene core principles such as the prohibition of the use of force under Article 2 of the United Nations Charter and respect for territorial integrity. The ruling builds on earlier cases like Ukraine v. Russia (2014), reinforcing state accountability and the rule of law. It underscores the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and upholding human rights amid geopolitical tensions.
- The United Nations expert’s warning that firms aiding Israel’s alleged genocide may face prosecution highlights the principle of complicity under the Genocide Convention of 1948 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Individuals and entities knowingly aiding such crimes can be held criminally liable. Cases such as Lubanga (2012) and Bemba (2016) confirm that aiding and abetting genocide or crimes against humanity is punishable. This underscores the importance of corporate accountability and compliance with international humanitarian law.
THANK YOU FOR READING. UNTIL NEXT WEEK!
Great read !
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