HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 1ST TO 7TH SEPTEMBER 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Partner in Human Rights Promotion,
Welcome to this new week!
In the face of both enduring
and emerging challenges, we call upon all stakeholders to remain steadfast,
collaborative, and forward-looking. Constructive dialogue and principled
partnership remain essential in shaping inclusive, rights-based solutions that
strengthen the fabric of our communities.
Please find below a summary
of last week’s stories.
NATIONAL UPDATES
HIGH
COURT POSTPONES BESIGYE TREASON TRIAL DUE TO ILL HEALTH
The
High Court in Kampala has postponed the much-anticipated treason trial
involving retired Colonel Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid Lutale
after two of the accused failed to appear in court due to ill health.
Source:
https://megafmug.com/high-court-postpones-besigye-treason-trial-due-to-ill-health/
HIGH
COURT SAYS COHABITING PARTNERS CAN SHARE PROPERTY UPON SEPARATION
The
High Court in Kampala has reaffirmed that property acquired during long-term
cohabitation can be shared between partners upon separation, even in the
absence of statutory recognition of their union, marking a significant
development in Uganda’s property law.
Source:
MISUSE
OF ELECTRIC POWER COULD LAND YOU IN JAIL
Leaving power gadgets such as lights, computers, music
systems, or irons on when not in use could lead to serious legal consequences
if the new Energy Efficiency Bill is passed into law.
Source:
UGANDA
TO HOST ASIAN-AFRICAN LEGAL SUMMIT
The government, through the Ministry of Justice and
Constitutional Affairs, is set to host the 63rd session of the
Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation (AALCO) next week.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-to-host-asian-african-legal-summit-5177602
LORD MAYOR LUKWAGO SEEKS
RE-RELECTION, LAUNCHES FIVE-YEAR KAMPALA CITY AGENDA
The politician, who has been at the helm of the city
for three terms and now subscribes to the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party,
says he aims to complete the unfinished city hall business.
PARLIAMENT
CLEARS JUSTICE ABODO FOR PRINCIPAL JUDGE ROLE
The Parliamentary Appointments Committee on September
2nd vetted and approved Justice Jane Frances Abodo, recently
nominated by President Museveni, as the country’s new Principle Judge.
Source:
REGIONAL UPDATES
CAMEROON: UN RAISES ALARM AT EXCLUSION
OF PRESIDENT BIYA'S RIVAL FROM VOTE
UN officials called for the government
of Cameroon to ensure free and transparent elections onTuesday, citing several recent
incidents that raised concern about the country’s upcoming election, where
President Paul Biya will seek an eighth term in office.
Source:
BURKINA
FASO'S PARLIAMENT VOTES TO OUTLAW HOMOSEXUAL ACTS
Burkina
Faso's unelected transitional parliament has passed a bill banning homosexual
acts, a little over a year after a draft of an amended family code that
criminalised homosexuality was adopted by the country's cabinet.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2060er4062
GHANA CHIEF JUSTICE SACKED OVER
ALLEGATIONS OF MISUSE OF PUBLIC FUNDS
Ghana's President John Mahama has
fired the country's Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following a recommendation
by an inquiry.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czxyxe55yjdo
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
AFGHANISTAN HIT BY SECOND POWERFUL
QUAKE AS DEATH TOLL EXCEEDS 1,400
An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 shook
southeastern Afghanistan on Tuesday, sparking fears of further damage and
destruction almost two days after a large quake in the same region killed more
than 1,400 people and injured thousands more.
Source:
GLOBAL MEDIA OUTLETS UNITE TO PROTEST
ISRAEL’S KILLING OF JOURNALISTS IN GAZA
Multiple media outlets are
coordinating a large-scale protest on Monday to demand Israel stop the killing of journalists in
Gaza and call for international press to be allowed into the enclave to report
freely.
Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/31/middleeast/media-protest-israel-killing-journalists-gaza-intl
FRANCE'S GOVERNMENT IS ON THE BRINK OF
COLLAPSE – AND COULD BE FACING A STAGGERING DEBT CRISIS
Many of Europe's largest economies
have a debt problem, but the ramifications for the UK and France have a greater
sense of urgency.
Source:
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- The High Court postponed the treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale due to ill health, upholding their right to a fair hearing under Article 28(1) of the 1995 Constitution. Treason, under Section 23 of the Penal Code Act, carries severe penalties requiring strict due process. The ruling aligns with Tumutegyereize v Uganda [1992] ULS, which holds that trying an incapacitated accused undermines justice. The adjournment is therefore lawful and necessary.
- The High Court ruling that cohabiting partners can share property upon separation despite cohabitation not being recognized under the Marriage Act, Chapter 146 can be based on the fact that courts apply equitable principles, as seen in Juliet Zawedde v Christopher Tamale (HCCS No. 265 of 2012), to prevent unjust enrichment. This is supported by Article 26 of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution, which protects property rights based on contribution. The ruling ensures fairness in domestic relations beyond formal marital status.
- Misuse of electric power is a criminal offence under Section 59 of the Electricity Act, Cap 145, prohibiting unauthorized use and theft. In Uganda Electricity Board v. Muhumuza [1998] UGSC 4, the court convicted illegal electricity use to protect public safety. Penalties include fines and imprisonment to deter such offences. Strict enforcement is vital to safeguard resources and ensure reliable power supply.
- Parliament’s approval of Justice Jane Frances Abodo as Principal Judge strengthens leadership in the High Court, key for efficient justice delivery. The role is established under Article 144 of the 1995 Ugandan Constitution and the Judicature Act, Cap 13. Cases like Katabazi v Attorney General [2005] UGSC 3 highlight the need for strong judicial leadership to uphold constitutional rights. This appointment is crucial for advancing judicial reforms and reinforcing the rule of law in Uganda.
- Raising concerns over democratic integrity, the UN has criticized the exclusion of President Biya’s main rival from Cameroon’s upcoming election. This move may breach Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protects the right to participate in public affairs. The case of Saidov v. Uzbekistan (Communication No. 1134 of 2002) emphasized that excluding candidates without valid legal grounds undermines democratic principles, the UN Human Rights Committee held that unjustified candidate exclusion violates electoral rights. The warning underscores the need for fair and inclusive elections to uphold international legal standards.
- The dismissal of Ghana’s Chief Justice from office highlights the importance of accountability at the highest level of the judiciary. The removal process is governed by Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, which sets out procedures for investigating and removing superior court judges. The case of Republic v. High Court (Exparte CHRAJ) [2003–2004] SCGLR 483 reinforced that such actions must strictly adhere to due process. This development reflects the balance between maintaining judicial integrity and respecting constitutional protections.
- Global media outlets have condemned Israel’s killing of journalists in Gaza, demanding accountability and protection for the press. These acts violate Article 79 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which safeguard journalists and freedom of expression. The UN Human Rights Committee, in Duffy v. United Kingdom, Communication No. 116/1981, Views adopted on 29 March 1982, emphasized the importance of protecting journalists to ensure democracy. The protests call for strict enforcement of international laws to protect media workers in conflict zones.
THANK YOU FOR READING.
We extend our sincere appreciation for your continued dedication and partnership in the pursuit of a just, inclusive, and rights-respecting society.
UNTIL NEXT WEEK!
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