HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 4TH TO 10TH AUGUST 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Valued Partner,
As
we begin a new week in our collective journey toward justice and the protection
of human dignity, the Human
Rights Centre Uganda reaffirms its steadfast commitment to
upholding the rights and freedoms of all people.
In
the face of both persistent and emerging challenges, we encourage all
stakeholders to stay alert, engaged, and united. Open communication and
meaningful, sustained collaboration remain key to building lasting,
rights-based solutions.
Please
find below a summary of last week's key developments. We deeply appreciate your
ongoing commitment to advancing human rights and justice for all.
NATIONAL UPDATES
STATE
OPPOSES BESIGYE’S SECOND BAIL APPLICATION
The office of the Director of Public
Prosecutions(ODPP) has opposed a second bail request by opposition leader
Col.(rtd) Dr.Kizza Besigye.Dr.Besigye,who is facing treason charges alongside
his aide Obeid Lutale,is seeking mandatory bail.
Source:
MASAKA HIGH COURT SETS AUGUST 14TH
FOR BAIL HEARING OF BOBI’S BODY GUARDS
The Masaka High Court has scheduled a bail hearing for
August 14th,2025 for four bodyguards of National Unity Platform
(NUP) of president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who are facing charges of
aggravated robbery. The accused include Eddy Ssebuufu, also known as Eddie Mutwe,
the head of Kyagulanyi’s security,Achileo Kivumbi, the head of security at NUP
headquarters,Gadafi Mugumya, aka Gen,and Smart Wakabi.
Source:
OUTCRY
AS GOVT FAILS TO RELEASE SHS 2
TRILLION FOR BIG ROAD PROJECTS
On July 30th, the Works and Transport
Minister, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala presented a report to Parliament on the
status of implementation of key national road projects.The report revealed that
a total of 27 major road projects national wide have stalled,or work has slowed
down following the government’s inaction in providing the required funds.
Source:
KEEP
CALM, ROADS ARE COMING – MUSEVENI
Barely a week after the Works and Transport
minister, Gen Katumba Wamala, tabled before Parliament the list of roads that
had been affected by funding gaps President Museveni has weighed in on the matter,
with a promise that activity will soon resume on the roads.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/keep-calm-roads-are-coming-museveni-5144962#story
UGANDANS
UNDER STATE SURVEILLANCE AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
Uganda’s state security agencies are constantly prying
into the private lives of citizens, giving them no room for privacy.
Source:
KIGEZI
LEADERS EXPRESS CONCERN OVER KILLINGS
A section of leaders in kigezi sub-region have
attributed the rising cases of murder to laxity among law enforcement officers
and ongoing electoral activities that have distracted communities from
productive work.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kigezi-leaders-express-concern-over-killings-5143834
CABINET
OKAYS ENDING LDC MONOPOLY ON BAR COURSE
The 55-year monopoly that the Law Development Centre
(LDC) has been enjoying as the only institution in the country teaching the
Post-graduate Diploma in Legal Practice course my end soon. This follows a
recent cabinet sitting that approved to repeal the Law Development Centre Act,
Cap 251,which had given the institution exclusive rights to teach and examine
the Bar course.
Source:
FORMER KCCA BOSS JENNIFER MUSISI
SUMMONED OVER MISSING WEIGHBRIDGES AT KITEZI LANDFILL
The Committee and State Enterprises (COSASE) has
summoned former Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director
Jennifer Musisi to explain the disappearance of two weighbridges from the
Kitezi landfill,a matter flagged in the 2011/12 auditor report.
Source:
UGANDA
NEARS 2 MILLION REFUGEES AMID REGIONAL CRISIS
Uganda
is on the verge of hosting 2 million refugees as escalating crises in Sudan,
South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) drive hundreds of
people to cross the border daily in search of safety and lifesaving aid.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/08/05/uganda-nears-2-million-refugees-amid-regional-crisis/
REGIONAL UPDATES
RWANDA SAYS IT HAS
AGREED TO TAKE UP TO 250 MIGRANTS FROM THE US
Rwanda has said it will
accept up to 250 migrants from the US in a deal agreed with President Donald
Trump's administration.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j9zn553q4o
30,000 SOUTH AFRICAN
JOBS AT RISK FROM US TARIFFS
South Africa's trade and
industry minister on Monday said that the 30 per cent reciprocal tariffs imposed
by the United States could put tens of thousands of jobs at risk.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/08/04/30000-south-african-jobs-at-risk-from-us-tariffs/
MALI CHARGES EX-PM
WITH UNDERMINING THE STATE OVER POST ON X
A former prime minister of
Mali, which is now under military rule, has been charged with undermining the
credibility of the state over comments on social media.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2eng3p70wpo
FACED WITH HARDSHIPS
AT HOME, ETHIOPIANS RISK DANGEROUS SEAS FOR A BETTER LIFE ELSEWHERE
The deadly shipwreck in
waters off Yemen’s coast over the weekend is weighing heavily on the hearts of
many in Ethiopia. Twelve migrants on the boat that carried 154 Ethiopians
survived the tragedy and 68 died while 74 remain missing.
Source:
https://apnews.com/article/ethiopia-yemen-migration-shipwreck-9fd2712909051eba36971f57c13f48cf
INTERNATIONAL
UPDATES
ISRAEL KILLS AN
AVERAGE OF 28 PALESTINIAN CHILDREN DAILY IN GAZA
Approximately 28 children
are being killed daily in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli
bombardment and its
restrictions on the delivery of direly needed humanitarian assistance,
according to the United Nations.
Source:
THREATS AND
INTIMIDATION STALLING TOP ICC PROSECUTOR’S ISRAEL CASE: REPORT
New details have emerged
about a series of intimidation campaigns, including threats to safety as well
as possible sanctions, directed at the British chief prosecutor of the
International Criminal Court (ICC) as he pursues an investigation into alleged
war crimes committed by Israeli officials in Gaza.
Source:
HONG KONG CANCELS
PASSPORTS, BANS FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR WANTED ACTIVISTS
Hong Kong authorities have
cancelled the passports of 12 activists based overseas in their latest
crackdown on activities that they claim pose threats to national security.
Source:
ONE DEAD AND THOUSANDS
WITHOUT POWER AS WILDFIRE SPREADS IN FRANCE
An elderly woman has died
and another person is missing after a massive wildfire swept through parts of
southern France, destroying homes and forcing thousands to flee.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6y803pjkwo
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- The State’s opposition to Dr. Kizza Besigye’s second bail application is based on concerns under Article 23(6)(a) of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 15 of the Trial on Indictments Act. However, in Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye v. Uganda and Arvind Patel v. Uganda [2003] UGSC 15, courts upheld the presumption of innocence and the right to bail. Without compelling reasons backed by evidence, denying bail may violate Besigye’s constitutional rights.
- The Masaka High Court’s decision to schedule the bail hearing for Bobi Wine’s bodyguards on August 14th could highlight some tensions between legal procedure and political influence in Uganda. While the Constitution guarantees the right to bail under Article 23(6)(a), case law such as Arutide v. Uganda emphasizes that bail should not be denied arbitrarily, especially when there is no evidence of risk or obstruction. The court's handling of this matter will be a key test of judicial independence and respect for due process in a politically sensitive context.
- President Museveni’s statement, “KEEP CALM, ROADS ARE COMING,” signals the government’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure development. The Ugandan Constitution, under Articles 21 and 190, mandates both central and local governments to ensure equitable and effective service delivery. In Greenwatch v. Attorney General, the courts emphasized that such development must be timely, inclusive, and fairly distributed across all regions.
- Reports of increased state surveillance ahead of Uganda’s 2026 elections raises concern about balancing national security and privacy rights. Article 27 of the Ugandan Constitution guarantees privacy, and in Hon. Sseggona Medard & Others v. Attorney General [2024] HC (Const. Div.) Civil Case No. X of 2024, the court ruled surveillance must be lawful, necessary, and proportionate. While the state must protect security, surveillance must respect constitutional safeguards to protect civil liberties and democracy.
- The expression of concern by Kigezi leaders over the recent killings underscores serious security and governance issues in the region that threaten community stability. Under Article 22 of the Ugandan Constitution, every person has the right to life and security, and the state is obligated to protect these rights, as affirmed in Uganda v. Kato [2017] UGHC 45, where the court ruled that failure to safeguard citizens violates constitutional duties. To restore peace and public trust, the government must take immediate and effective measures to address the violence and enforce the rule of law.
- The cabinet’s decision to end the Law Development Centre’s (LDC) monopoly on the bar course opens up legal education, increasing access to attaining a diploma in legal practice by lawyers. Article 30 of the Ugandan Constitution guarantees the right to education, and Mukisa Biscuit Manufacturing Co. Ltd v. West End Distributors Ltd [1969] EA 696 supports preventing monopolies that restrict access. While this move may enhance legal training and opportunities, strong regulation will be essential to maintain professional standards and protect the integrity of the legal profession.
- Uganda approaching 2 million refugees amid regional crises highlights its role as a leading host country in Africa, placing significant strain on resources and social services. Under the Refugees Act 2006 and the 1951 Refugee Convention, to which Uganda is a party, the government has obligations to protect refugees’ rights while balancing national interests, as underscored in Lone & Others v. Attorney General [2014] UGHC 165, which emphasized humane treatment and legal protections for displaced persons. Sustainable solutions require international support and effective policies to ensure both refugee welfare and host community stability.
- Rwanda’s agreement to take 250 migrants from the US aligns with the 1951 Refugee Convention and domestic laws. As held in Hirsi Jamaa v. Italy (2012) ECHR, such transfers must respect non-refoulement and due process. Rwanda must ensure legal and humanitarian standards to meet international obligations.
- The potential loss of 30,000 South African jobs due to US tariffs highlights the vulnerability of export-dependent industries to international trade policies. Under World Trade Organization rules, tariffs must follow principles of non-discrimination and fairness, as seen in United States — Tariff Measures on Certain Products from China (DS543), where arbitrary tariffs were challenged. To mitigate job losses, South Africa must pursue diplomatic negotiations, legal remedies within the World Trade Organization (WTO), and diversify its economy.
- The charges against Mali’s former Prime Minister for allegedly undermining the state through a social media post on X reflect tensions between freedom of expression and state security. International human rights law, including Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, protects freedom of expression, but many states limit this right on national security grounds, as in Jamal Khashoggi v. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where restrictions were challenged. Balancing state security concerns with protecting political speech is crucial to uphold democracy and prevent misuse of laws to silence dissent.
- Reports that Israel kills an average of 28 Palestinian children daily in Gaza, if accurate, point to severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. The Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child require protection of civilians, especially children, as reinforced in Prosecutor v. Omar Al Bashir (ICC-02/05-01/09), stressing accountability for war crimes. These allegations demand urgent independent investigations and accountability to uphold justice and protect vulnerable populations.
- Threats and intimidation stalling the ICC prosecutor’s Israel case highlight challenges in prosecuting politically sensitive conflicts amid external pressures. The Rome Statute mandates impartial investigations, as seen in Prosecutor v. Thomas Lubanga Dyilo (ICC-01/04-01/06), emphasizing the court’s duty to uphold justice despite interference. Protecting ICC officials’ safety and independence is crucial to maintain the court’s credibility and accountability.
- Hong Kong’s cancellation of passports and banning financial support for wanted activists reflect increased government control over dissent. These actions raise concerns about rights under the Basic Law and international law, including freedom of movement and due process, as seen in Ng Ka Ling v. Director of Immigration [1999] 1 HKLRD 315. While states may restrict rights for security, such measures must follow legal safeguards to protect civil liberties and the rule of law.
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