HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 21ST TO 27TH JULY 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Valued Partner,
As we commence a new week in our shared pursuit of
justice and human dignity, the Human Rights Centre Uganda reaffirms its
unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the rights and freedoms of
all individuals.
Amid both ongoing and
emerging challenges, we urge all stakeholders to remain vigilant and actively
involved. Transparent communication and strong, sustained collaboration are
vital to developing lasting, rights-based solutions.
Below is a summary of key
developments from the past week. We remain deeply grateful for your continued
dedication to the advancement of human rights and justice for all.
NATIONAL UPDATES
JUDICIARY
PAYS TRIBUTE TO JUSTICE KANYEIHAMBA
The Uganda
flag flew at half -must on top of the Supreme Court building in Kampala to
symbolize the mourning of Prof. George Wilson Kayeihamba.A white, big tent was
erected next to the same building where Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo who
led a panel of seven justices of the Supreme Court, converged in a special
sitting to pay tribute to the late Justice Kanyeihamba for illustrious 12 years
of service as a judge of the highest court in the land.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/judiciary-pays-tribute-to-justice-kanyeihamba-5129672
WHY
POLITICS IN UGANDA IS NOW A DO-OR-DIE AFFAIR
The
calm, quiet atmosphere across most parts of the country has been unsettled as
the ruling NRM ramps up internal campaigns ahead of the 2026 elections. From
North to Central, violence has marred the process, painting a worrying picture
less than six months before nominations and hinting at broader election unrest.
Source:
OPPOSITION
PARTIES REJECT ELECTORAL COMMISSION'S REVISED ROADMAP
The move by the Electoral Commission (EC) to make
last-minute adjustments in the 2025/2026 election road map has sparked backlash
from opposition players.
Source:
UGANDA’S
DATA PROTECTION LAW TAKES EFFECT WITH FIRST-EVER CONVICTION
In a landmark enforcement of Uganda’s Data Protection and
Privacy Laws, the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) has secured it’s first
criminal conviction under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97.
Source:
EC
WARNS AGAINST REPEAT OF NRM PRIMARY VIOLENCE AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
The Electoral Commission of Uganda (ECU) has expressed
deep concern over the violence, irregularities, and loss of life that marred
last week’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries. The Commission
fears that if such chaos goes unchecked, it could spill over into the 2026
general elections.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/2026-election-watch/274641
KAMPALA
RESIDENTS URGED TO LEARN SWIMMING AS FLOOD RISK GROWS
The ministry of Works and Transport has advised
residents of Kampala and other urban centres to take up swimming lessons as a last
line of defence against drowning, amid increasing incidents of urban flooding.
Source:
REGIONAL UPDATES
KENYAN ACTIVIST FREED ON BAIL, CHARGED
WITH UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION
Kenyan
activist Boniface Mwangi has been charged with the unlawful possession of
ammunition-two unused teargas canisters and one blank bullet. He appeared in
court in Kahawa, Nairobi, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges and was
subsequently being granted a Ksh 1
million ($7,750) personal bond.
Source:
RWANDA’S PRESIDENT SACKS PRIME
MINISTER
Rwandan
President Paul Kagame sacked Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Wednesday,
replacing him with a banker, according to a statement. Ngirente, who had served since 2017,
was replaced by Justin Nsengiyumva, said the office of the government’s
spokesperson.
Source:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/rwanda-s-president-sacks-prime-minister/3640240
RWANDAN OPPOSITION LEADER VICTOIRE INGABIRE DENIED BAIL
Rwandan
opposition leader Victoire Igabire will remain in detention after judges at the
Kicukiro Primary Court in Kigali denied her bail on Tuesday.She faces six
charges including forming or belonging to an illegal group and spreading hate
messages intended to provoke international opinion against the government.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
RUSSIA AND UKRAINE CONCLUDE THIRD
ROUND OF PEACE TALKS IN ISTANBUL
Russia and Ukraine wrapped up a third round of
peace talks in Istanbul on Wednesday, agreeing on another large-scale prisoner
exchange but failing to reach consensus on a ceasefire.
Source:
IN LANDMARK OPINION, UN COURT SAYS
CLIMATE CHANGE AN ‘EXISTENTIAL THREAT
The United Nations’ highest court has
said that countries must meet their climate obligations – and that failing to
do so could violate international law, potentially opening the door for
affected nations to seek reparations in future legal cases.
Source:
YOUTH ACTIVISTS APPLAUD UN COURT'S
CLIMATE CHANGE ADVISORY RULING
Youth climate change activists
celebrated on Wednesday as the United Nations' highest court issued a
significant advisory opinion stating that countries could breach international
law if they neglect to implement measures to safeguard the planet against
climate change.
Source:
HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH CALL ON NIGER'S
JUNTA TO RELEASE FORMER PRESIDENT, MOHAMED BAZOUM
Human Rights Watch is
calling on Niger’s military junta to release former president Mohamed Bazoum,
who has been detained since his government was overthrown in a coup in July
2023. Bazoum has remained under house arrest in the presidential palace for two
years without trial.
Source:
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- The judges’ tribute to Justice Kanyeihamba reflects deep respect within the judiciary for a colleague who exemplified courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Such a homage reinforces the collective responsibility of the bench to uphold judicial independence as a cornerstone of justice. For the legal community, it serves as both a solemn acknowledgment of a legacy and a call to continue the work of safeguarding fairness and human rights in an often-challenging political environment. This tribute not only honour’s a legal legend but also strengthens the judiciary’s resolve to remain impartial and fearless.
- Increasing political tensions in Uganda have created a “do-or-die” atmosphere that threatens freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly guaranteed by Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Articles 29(1)(a) and (d) of the Ugandan Constitution. Laws like the Public Order Management Act (2013) have raised concerns over suppressing dissent. Urgent reforms are needed to safeguard democratic participation and prevent regression.
- While Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act (2019) marks progress in safeguarding personal data, concerns about misuse to suppress dissent persist, potentially violating Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Privacy laws should not become tools for political censorship. Proper oversight mechanisms are necessary to ensure the law protects rights without enabling repression. Balancing privacy and freedom of expression is crucial.
- The Electoral Commission’s warnings of possible violence during ruling party primaries point to ongoing threats to peaceful political participation, implicating Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981). Political violence undermines democratic engagement and electoral integrity. Accountability and preventive measures are necessary to protect political rights. Without these, voter confidence and participation will decline.
- Recent detentions and bail denials of opposition figures in Kenya and Rwanda violate Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits unlawful arrest and detention. Such actions shrink civic space and weaken democratic norms, as underscored in International Criminal Court rulings such as Lubanga and Bemba. Arbitrary detention fuels political repression and erodes pluralism. Upholding fair legal processes is critical even in fragile political contexts.
- The peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul reflect compliance with Article 2(3) of the United Nations Charter (1945), which requires peaceful dispute resolution. Continued dialogue is key to ending conflict and promoting global stability. Diplomacy remains the best path forward amid geopolitical tensions. Sustained negotiations are essential for lasting peace.
- The International Court of Justice’s 2024 advisory opinion declaring climate change an “existential threat” legally obliges states to protect the environment and human rights, consistent with the Urgenda Foundation v. Netherlands case and international law. This reinforces that environmental protection is a human rights duty. Urgent, accountable climate action by states is imperative. This ruling sets a precedent for global environmental governance.
- Youth activists’ support for the climate ruling aligns with the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders (1998), affirming their right to advocate for environmental justice. Empowering youth is vital to sustaining momentum on climate action. Their activism highlights the link between environmental protection and fundamental rights. Youth engagement strengthens global efforts to address climate change.
THANK YOU FOR READING. LET US KEEP IN
TOUCH.
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