HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 13TH TO 19TH OCTOBER 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Partner,
Welcome to the new week!
Our expectation is that we shall continue to collaborate and partner for the common purpose of ensuring that human rights and fundamental freedoms for all are respected, promoted, protected and realized. Each day presents to us an opportunity make life better and the only way we can do this is place human dignity at the forefront of all that we do.
As we read through the highlighted briefs below, the request is to deeply reflect on how best we can advocate for a better environment for human rights defenders to do their work.
NATIONAL UPDATES
JUSTICE
BAGUMA REJECTS BESIGYE PETITION TO QUIT CASE, TRANSFER FILE
High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma has for the second
time, declined to recuse himself from hearing the treason charges against
jailed veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, arguing that there was
no valid reason given by the four-time presidential contender to justify his
withdrawal from proceedings.
Source:
COURT
BLOCKS LAW SOCIETY’S AGM AMID COUNCIL LEGALITY DISPUTE
The
High Court has temporarily barred the Uganda Law Society (ULS) from holding its
Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for October 18, 2025, citing unresolved
questions about the legality of the current ULS Council.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/news/294771/court-blocks-law-societys-agm-amid-council-legality-dispute
CITIZENS
TO APPRAISE JUDGES IN NEW PERFORMANCE TOOL
Citizens will be among key stakeholders who, starting
this Friday will appraise judicial officers in a bid aimed at ensuring high
standards of justice delivery in the country.
Source:
PWDS DECRY CHALLENGES IN ACCESSING
HEALTHCARE
The chief excecutive officer of the National Union of
Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU),Ms Esther Kyozira, has implored the
government to walk the talk and ensure that the challenges faced by Persons
with Disabilities(PWDs) while accessing health care are eliminated once and for
all.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/pwds-decry-challenges-in-accessing-healthcare-5229224
HEALTH
RIGHTS ADVOCATES DECRY INCREASING SEXUAL ABUSE CASES
A section of health rights advocates from The AIDs
Support (TASO) have expressed worry over what they described as increasing
cases of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and
Harassment (SEAH) occurring in various institutions and in the communities,
which are bound to hinder efforts being taken to end the spread of HIV/AIDs.
Source:
COURT
ORDERS GOVERNMENT TO PRODUCE TWO MISSING KENYAN ACTIVISTS
The High Court in Kampala ordered government on
October 14th to produce two kenyan political activists who went
missing about a fortnight ago, moments after they attended a campaign rally of
the Opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in the eastern district of Kaliro,
dead or alive.
Source:
REGIONAL UPDATES
MADAGASCAR PRESIDENT LEAVES COUNTRY
AFTER MASS PROTESTS
Madagascar's
President Andry Rajoelina reportedly left the country on Sunday
amid growing public discontent with his leadership.
Source:
https://www.dw.com/en/madagascar-president-leaves-country-after-mass-protests/a-74335461
FORMER
KENYAN PREMIER RAILA ODINGA, A KEY FIGURE IN AFRICAN POLITICS, DIES AT 80
Raila Odinga,a former prime minister of Kenya and perennial president candidate whose populist campaigns rattled authorities and gave him an outsized influence on political life in his East African Country, died at 80 years on Wednesday October 15 of heart attack while traveling to India.
Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/10/15/africa/kenyas-raila-odinga-has-died-intl
CLASHES
ERUPT IN DOUALA FOLLOWING OPPOSITION VICTORY CLAIM IN CAMEROON ELECTION
Police clashed with protesters in Douala, the economic hub
of Cameroon, after opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary claimed victory in
the October 12 presidential election.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
PALESTINIANS
CHEER AS FREED PRISONERS BEGIN TO ARRIVE HOME UNDER CEASEFIRE DEAL
Joyous
Palestinians rushed to embrace prisoners freed under a US-brokered ceasefire
agreement as they arrived by bus to the occupied West Bank and Gaza on Monday.
Source:
PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN
ANNOUNCE 48-HR CEASEFIRE: WHO COULD BRING CONFLICT TO A PERMANENT END?
Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed
to a 48-hour temporary ceasefire today (October 15).The development came a day
after fresh clashes broke out at the border, leaving dozens dead and each side
accusing the other of instigating the conflict-the deadliest between the two
countries the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Source:
UN
WARNS: GLOBAL CO2 LEVELS HIT RECORD HIGH, FUELING EXTREME WEATHER
Heat-trapping carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
jumped by the highest amount on record last year, soaring to a level not seen
in human civilisation and “turbo-charging” the Earth’s climate and causing more
extreme weather, the United Nations weather agency said Wednesday.
Source:
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma’s declining to recuse himself from hearing treason charges against Dr. Kizza Besigye on grounds of potential bias aligns with the principle that litigants cannot dictate judicial assignments based on dissatisfaction with prior rulings. The decision reinforces judicial independence and impartiality, as enshrined under Articles 126(1) and 128(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 (as amended), and affirmed in Uganda Law Society & 12 Others v. Attorney General, Reference No. 14 of 2025, East African Court of Justice.
- The Judiciary’s introduction of a performance tool allowing citizens to appraise judicial officers promotes transparency and public confidence. The initiative is grounded in Article 126(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, 1995 (as amended), which mandates justice to be administered in the name of the people, and aligns with the Public Service (Performance Management) Regulations, 2021.
- Persons with Disabilities voicing concerns over limited access to healthcare highlights the state’s duty to promote equality and inclusivity. Their demand aligns with Articles 21, 32, and 35 of the Constitution of Uganda, and with the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2020 (Act No. 3 of 2020), which guarantees the right to health and equal service delivery for all persons.
- Health rights advocates’ concern over the rise in sexual abuse cases underscores the need for protection of vulnerable persons, especially minors. The state’s obligation to prevent such abuse arises under Articles 33(3) and 34(3) of the Constitution of Uganda, the Penal Code Act, Cap 120, and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2009. The principle of victim protection was affirmed in Susan Kigula & 416 Others v. Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 6 of 2003 [2005] UGCC 8.
- The High Court’s directive for government to produce missing Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo upholds the constitutional right to liberty and habeas corpus. The decision is grounded in Article 23(1), (9) of the Constitution of Uganda, and supported by Uganda v. Commissioner of Prisons, Ex Parte Michael Matovu [1966] 1 EA 514 (HCU), affirming judicial oversight over unlawful detention.
- President Andry Rajoelina’s departure following widespread protests highlights citizens’ right to political participation and peaceful assembly. These principles are recognized under Articles 10 and 14 of the Constitution of Madagascar, 2010, and reinforced by Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966).
- The passing of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga points to a legacy centered on governance reform and constitutionalism. His political life reflected the ideals of Articles 1 and 38 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, emphasizing democracy and citizen participation, and mirrored regional democratic values under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007).
- Violence following opposition claims of electoral victory in Douala highlights the importance of electoral justice and civil rights protection. The events reflect constitutional guarantees under Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Cameroon, 1996, and regional obligations under the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
- The arrival of freed Palestinian prisoners under a ceasefire agreement underscores humanitarian obligations in conflict situations. The event aligns with the Geneva Convention Relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War (Third Geneva Convention, 1949), particularly Articles 118 and 119, which require humane treatment and repatriation of prisoners after hostilities.
- The joint 48-hour ceasefire announced by Pakistan and Afghanistan reflects a commitment to regional peace and conflict resolution. The initiative is consistent with Articles 1 and 2(3) of the UN Charter (1945) and the Geneva Conventions (1949), which promote peaceful dispute settlement and the protection of civilians.
- The United Nations’ report warning of record-breaking CO₂ emissions underscores the global urgency of climate action. The warning is grounded in obligations under Articles 2 and 4 of the Paris Agreement (2015), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992), and Article 39 of the Constitution of Uganda, which guarantees every citizen the right to a clean and healthy environment.
THANK YOU FOR READING. TILL NEXT WEEK!
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