HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 22ND TO 28TH SEPTEMBER 2025
As
we open a new week, the Human Rights Centre Uganda proudly renews its
unwavering commitment to justice, the protection of human dignity, and the full
realization of human rights for every individual.
In a
world marked by both persistent and emerging challenges, your engagement is not
only valued but essential. At this critical moment, we call upon all
stakeholders to stand together, remain vigilant, and pursue bold,
solutions-oriented actions. Only through collective determination, inclusive
dialogue, and purposeful collaboration can we create resilient, rights-based
responses that uplift and empower our communities.
What
follows is a concise summary of the key human rights developments from the past
week. As always, we extend our deepest gratitude for your solidarity, your
passion, and your tireless dedication to building a society that is just,
inclusive, and equitable for all.
NATIONAL UPDATES
NSSF SAVERS EARN 13.5% INTEREST RATE
Savers
with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) have earned a 13.5% interest rate
for the Financial, Planning Economic Development, Mr.Matia Kasaija, has
announced.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nssf-savers-earn-13-5-interest-rate-5201772
EC CLEARS ONLY TWO OF 38 PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS
The
Electoral Commission (EC) has thrown 36 presidential aspirants into panic and
frantic scramble for more endorsement signatures with less than 12 working
hours left to start their nominations. In a press briefing last evening,
Justice Simon Byabakama confirmed that only two candidates had been issued
certificates of compliance, meeting the requirement of having sufficient
endorsement signatures to run for President.
Source:
EC CLEARS KYAGULANYI, TWO MORE PRESIDENTIAL ASPIRANTS FOR
NOMINATION
The
Electoral Commission (EC) yesterday cleared three additional presidential aspirants,
bringing the total number of candidates approved for nomination to five. Those
cleared include Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu,the flag bearer of the main
opposition National Unity Platform (NUP),Mr Robert Kasibante of National
Peasants Party, and Mr.Elton John Mabirizi of Conservative Party.
Source:
2026 NOMINATIONS: INSIDE SECURITY PLAN TO CURB ELECTORAL
VIOLENCE
The
police under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Abbas
Byakagaba,has created nine electoral policing zones to coordinate security
operations and guarantee a peaceful electoral process from nominations through
to the general elections.
Source:
UGANDA REAFFIRMS MULTILATERALISM, PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT,
ALUPO TELLS UN CHIEF
The meeting in New York on
Sunday, September 21st,2025, saw the vice-president reaffirm
Uganda’s commitment to multilateralism, peace & sustainable development.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/uganda-reaffirms-multilateralism-peace-and-de-NV_219051
JUDICIARY REPORTS GAINS IN 2024/25 BUT HURDLES PERSIST
Chief
Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo yesterday released the Judiciary’s annual
performance report for the Financial Year 2024/2025, highlighting notable gains
in financing, revenue collection, case disposal and infrastructure development
but also underscoring persistent challenges such as case backlog, understaffing
and theft within the system.
Source:
PHARMACISTS
CALL FOR NATIONWIDE SICKLE CELL TESTING
The
Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) has called for nationwide sickle cell
testing, urging Ugandans to make screening a priority before choosing life
partners.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/health/289042/pharmacists-call-for-nationwide-sickle-cell-testing
REGIONAL UPDATES
AMNESTY
INTERNATIONAL DEMANDS RELEASE OF 36 OPPOSITION SUPPORTERS IN CAMEROON
Amnesty International has demanded the immediate release of
36 supporters of the opposition Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon (MRC),
who have been detained for five years for participating in peaceful protests
against President Paul Biya.
Source:
GHANA
RETURNS US-DEPORTED WEST AFRICANS AMID TORTURE CONCERNS
Eleven West African nationals deported by the United States
to Ghana have been returned to their home countries, despite fears they could
face torture, persecution or inhumane treatment.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/09/24/ghana-returns-us-deported-west-africans-amid-torture-concerns/
BURKINA,
MALI, NIGER RESIDENTS HAIL ICC EXIT AS STEP TO SOVEREIGNTY
People in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have welcomed the
Alliance of Sahel States’ withdrawal from the International Criminal Court
(ICC), framing it as a step toward full independence.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
FRANCE,
OTHERS TO RECOGNISE PALESTINIAN STATE AS UN WEEK GETS UNDERWAY
France
and other countries are prepared to recognise a Palestinian State as the UN’s
centrepiece diplomatic week gets underway Monday, following a rash of Western
governments in symbolically endorsing statehood and sparking Isreal’s wrath.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/world/france-others-to-recognise-palestinian-state-NV_219034
WE NEED
SOLUTIONS': PALESTINIANS IN WEST BANK FEAR RECOGNITION IS NOT ENOUGH
In
Ramallah - the de facto Palestinian capital of the occupied West Bank - many
fear Western recognition of Palestinian statehood is too little, too late.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cre5x8qxrqno
RUSSIA
ACCUSED OF TRYING TO INTIMIDATE EUROPE WITH THREATS BEYOND UKRAINE
In
the past week, Russia has ramped up a diplomacy of intimidation in the Baltic
Sea using planes, drones, and words aimed at Ukraine’s European allies,
violating Estonian airspace on Friday and German airspace on Sunday, just days
after flying two dozen drones into Poland, following earlier threats towards
Finland in September.
Source:
WEEK’S ANALYSIS
- The National Social Security Fund’s 13.5 percent interest rate for 2024/25 reflects strong financial management and growth. Increased contributions and diversified investments drive this return, which boosts members’ retirement savings and attracts wider participation, including from informal workers. The Fund secures individual futures and supports Uganda’s economic development.
- Ahead of the 2026 nominations, security agencies present a strategic plan to prevent electoral violence and ensure peaceful elections. The plan builds on lessons from past elections through enhanced intelligence, law enforcement, and community engagement. Uganda shows that maintaining order protects democracy and public trust. Previous electoral dispute cases highlight the need for both security and judicial safeguards.
- Uganda’s reaffirmation through Minister Alupo at the United Nations of multilateralism, peace, and development reflects its recognition of the role of international law in resolving disputes. The Case Concerning Armed Activities on the Territory of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda), Judgment of 19 December 2005, International Court of Justice underscores this by holding Uganda accountable for sovereignty violations and confirming that states must respect international law, refrain from intervention, and provide reparations. Uganda’s stance demonstrates an effort to align its diplomacy with these principles through peaceful cooperation and accountability.
- The judiciary’s progress in 2024/25 improves case handling and expands access to justice. However, resource shortages and case delays still affect efficiency. Ongoing reforms remain essential, as shown in Mifumi (Uganda) Ltd and 12 Others v. Attorney General and Kenneth Kakuru, Constitutional Appeal No. 2 of 2014, Supreme Court of Uganda, which stresses the need for timely justice and system improvements.
- Pharmacists’ call for nationwide sickle cell testing promotes early detection and prevention of a major health issue. This aligns with Article 39 of the Constitution of Uganda, 1995, which guarantees health rights. In Centre for Health, Human Rights and Development and Others v. Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 16 of 2011, Constitutional Court of Uganda, the Court affirms the state’s duty to provide essential health services. Nationwide testing therefore meets medical needs and upholds constitutional and judicial health rights.
- Amnesty International’s demand for the release of 36 opposition supporters in Cameroon highlights concerns over arbitrary detention and violations of freedoms of expression and assembly. These rights are protected by the Constitution of Cameroon and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted 16th December 1966, entered into force 23 March 1976. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Opinion No. 31/2018 rules that such detentions are unlawful, stressing Cameroon’s duty to uphold political freedoms and human rights.
- Ghana’s effort to repatriate West Africans deported from the United States raises human rights concerns over mistreatment of deportees. Authorities must ensure dignity and safety in line with international human rights standards. The situation shows the urgent need for stronger protections for vulnerable migrants in both Ghana and the United States.
- Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal from the International Criminal Court under Article 127 of the Rome Statute shows a push for sovereignty. The Court still holds jurisdiction over crimes committed before withdrawal. Tensions emerge between sovereignty and international justice, as seen in Prosecutor v. Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, Case No. ICC-01/09-02/11, International Criminal Court, 2010 and Prosecutor v. Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi, Case No. ICC-01/11-01/11, International Criminal Court, 2011. The Court’s effectiveness depends on state cooperation, which faces increasing challenges.
- France and other states’ recognition of Palestine during United Nations week strengthens claims of Palestinian sovereignty. Under the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, adopted 26 December 1933, Palestine meets criteria for statehood: population, territory, government, and capacity for foreign relations. The Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Advisory Opinion, International Court of Justice, 9 July 2004, together with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 67/19 of 29 November 2012, support Palestine’s self-determination, combining political recognition with legal principles.
- The concerns of Palestinians in the West Bank show the gap between symbolic recognition of statehood and realities of occupation, settlement expansion, and human rights violations. International law affirms their right to self-determination, but the Israeli occupation, deemed illegal under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 of 23 December 2016, obstructs this right. Recognition alone is not enough; concrete measures and accountability are needed to secure real peace, justice, and sovereignty.
- Russia’s threats beyond Ukraine intimidate Europe and violate Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, 1945. In Military and Paramilitary Activities in and against Nicaragua (Nicaragua v. United States of America), Merits, Judgment of 27 June 1986, International Court of Justice Reports 1986, page 14 and in the Legality of the Threat or Use of nuclear weapons, Advisory Opinion, International Court of Justice, 8 July 1996, the Court confirms that threats of unlawful force breach international law. Russia’s conduct undermines sovereignty, destabilizes European security, and creates state responsibility.
THANKING
YOU FOR READING. TILL NEXT WEEK!
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