HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 25TH TO 31ST AUGUST 2025
Dear Human Rights Defenders and Partners,
As we enter a new week which happens to be in a new month, the Human Rights
Centre Uganda proudly reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice, dignity,
and the protection of all human rights.
In the face of ongoing and emerging
challenges, we urge all stakeholders to remain engaged, united, and proactive.
Meaningful collaboration and open dialogue are key to building lasting,
rights-based solutions that uplift our communities.
Below is a snapshot of last week’s key human
rights developments. We deeply appreciate your continued dedication and
partnership in advancing a just, inclusive, and rights-respecting society.
NATIONAL UPDATES
BESIGYE INSTRUCTS HIS LAWYERS TO
BOYCOTT JUDGE BAGUMA
Laywers representing jailed veteran opposition
politican,Dr Kizza Besigye,say their client has instructed them not to appear
before High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma,whom they accuse of bias.
Source:
FOLLOW ELECTORAL GUIDELINES OR FACE
ARREST, POLICE WARNS
Police in jinja issued a stern warning to candidates
ahead of upcoming elections, urging strict compliance with electoral laws and
guidelines or risk arrest.
Source:
RESIDENTS OF UGANDA CAPITAL CONCERNED
ABOUT US DEPORTATIONS PACT
Ugandans
on Tuesday questioned an agreement with the United States to receive deported
migrants, highlighting the lack of parliamentary approval and that the deal
eases political pressure on the country's authoritarian president.
Source:
COURT FIXES DATE FOR SSEMAKADDE’S
APPLICATION TO STOP PROSECUTION
The Buganda Chief Magistrate’s
Court has fixed September 18th 2025, to hear an application by
exiled Uganda Law Society President Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde,seeking to halt his
ongoing private prosecution on grounds that the charges against him are
unconstitutional.
Source:
GLOBAL SCIENTISTS WARN OF ESCALATING
CLIMATE RISKS IN GREATER HORN OF AFRICA
Global climate scientists have warned that the Greater
Horn of Africa is on track for another year of record heat and erratic weather,
as human – induced climate change continues to drives extreme conditions across
the region.
Source:
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS TAKES TOLL ON
REFUGEES
Refugees in conflict regions are struggling with a
mental health crisis that is affecting their recovery and intergartion process,
according to Great Lakes Region member states.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mental-health-crisis-takes-toll-on-refugees-5169346
REGIONAL UPDATES
CHOLERA SPREADS FROM SUDAN TO CHAD,
KILLS 63 IN EASTERN PROVINCE
According to a
statement from the Health Ministry on Monday, 63 people have died from cholera
in Ouaddai Province, located in the eastern part of the country. Authorities
reported that Chad has recorded a total of 938 suspected cases in the area
since the epidemic reached the region last month.
Source:
NO NEW GOVERNMENT IN TOGO, THREE MONTHS
AFTER POWER SHIFT
More than
three months into his new term, Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé has not
appointed any new ministers. This delay follows a constitutional reform that
replaced presidential elections with a parliamentary system. Opposition groups
accuse the reform of being a power grab to extend Gnassingbé’s rule, drawing
increasing criticism amid political uncertainty.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/08/26/no-new-government-in-togo-three-months-after-power-shift/
DIAMOND-RICH BOTSWANA DECLARES
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
Botswana has
declared a public health emergency as it faces a shortage of essential medicines
and medical equipment.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78zg67x38zo
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
FIVE
JOURNALISTS AMONG 20 KILLED IN ISRAELI STRIKES ON GAZA HOSPITAL
The
ongoing war in Gaza has been one of the deadliest for journalists,with around
200 media workers killed over the course of the nearly two-year Israeli
assault.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/world/five-journalists-among-20-killed-in-israeli-s-NV_217210
CAMBODIAN LAWMAKERS
PASS BILL TO REVOKE CITIZENSHIP THAT CRITICS CALL REPRESSIVE
Cambodian
lawmakers on Monday approved a bill giving the government power to revoke the
citizenship of anyone found guilty of conspiring with foreign nations to harm
the national interest.
Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/25/asia/cambodia-revoke-citizenship-bill-intl-hnk
BANGLADESH
ISSUES GLOBAL CALL ON ROHINGYA CRISIS
Eight years after the mass killings
and crackdown in Myanmar that drove hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims
into neighbouring Bangladesh, Dhaka hopes an aid conference can provide
solutions.
Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2025/8/25/bangladesh-issues-global-call-on-rohingya-crisis
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda calls on all citizens especially duty bearers to ensure that human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected as provided under Chapter Four (Bill of Rights). There should be confidence-building in the organs of the State including judiciary so that people feel confident in approaching them and being able to go to them whenever they have matters pertaining to civil liberties.
- As Uganda heads to the 2026 general elections period, it becomes very important for everyone (rights holders and duty bearers) to be on the alert and follow not only the roadmap but also the principles of mutual respect for each other. State agents and other relevant actors must continue sensitizing the public about their responsibilities in order to effectively address any matters arising in that regard.
- Scheduling a hearing for Ssemakadde’s application highlights the judiciary’s role in ensuring oversight and access to remedies thereby reinforcing accountability and fairness. This strengthens the rule of law and public confidence, as guaranteed under Article 28 of the Ugandan Constitution for a fair and impartial hearing, and Article 44, which makes these rights non-derogable. Case law such as Attorney General v. Susan Kigula and Kizza Besigye v. Attorney General affirms the courts’ duty to uphold due process and protect individuals from executive overreach.
- Warnings of climate risks underscore the vulnerability of populations in the region and the urgent need for sustainable environmental and disaster preparedness policies. Climate change directly impacts agriculture, food security, and human livelihoods, particularly in areas with weak governance or fragile economies. Governments are obligated to take preventive measures to protect citizens’ rights to life, health, and sustainable development. International law obligations include the Paris Agreement and principles of intergenerational equity recognized under customary international environmental law.
- Refugees face trauma, displacement, and poor living conditions, creating a severe mental health crisis. International law - Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 25, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Article 12, Refugee Convention of 1951, and African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Article 16 recognizes the right to health, including mental health. Courts, such as in M.S.S. v. Belgium and Greece (2011) and Kituo Cha Sheria v. Attorney General (2013, Kenya), have held that neglecting refugees’ wellbeing violates human rights. Failure to provide mental health care breaches dignity, health, and protection from degrading treatment, making state action urgent.
- Botswana’s declaration reflects proactive intervention to safeguard citizens against emerging health threats. Public health emergencies require states to implement measures to protect life and prevent disease spread while respecting fundamental rights. This obligation is reinforced by Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which guarantees the right to the highest attainable standard of health. Additionally, adherence to WHO International Health Regulations (2005) guides national responses to health crises.
- The cross-border cholera outbreak demonstrates the urgent need for regional cooperation in public health and disease control. Weak health systems exacerbate vulnerability, putting lives at risk and affecting human rights to health and life. States have both domestic and international obligations to implement preventive and remedial health measures. Relevant laws include Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, World Health Organization International Health Regulations, and regional frameworks under the African Union Health Protocols.
- The killing of journalists highlights serious violations of press freedom and civilian protection under international humanitarian law and must be protected during armed conflict, as recognized under the Geneva Conventions (1949). These attacks reflect risks to freedom of expression and the fundamental human right to life. International law, including International Humanitarian Law and customary law, imposes duties on parties to avoid targeting civilians and journalists, ensuring accountability for violations.
- In the end or ultimate, all of us are human rights defenders and must work together with the common aim or goal of promoting and protecting human rights for all. We are all agents of positive change and together, we can make this world a better place for the current and future generation (s).
LET US KEEP IN TOUCH. LET US BE EACH OTHER'S KEEPER. THE REWARD IS FAR GREATER THAN THE EYE CAN SEE.
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