HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 20TH TO 26TH OCTOBER 2025

 

THE WEEK OF 20TH  TO 24TH OCTOBER 2025

Dear Human Rights Defender and Partner,

As we begin a new week and draw towards the end of October 2025, here is more information to share with you in relation to what is happening within the working environment of human rights defenders in Uganda.

We continue to believe that through these regular updates, we can think through together and devise actual or practical solutions to the emerging challenges to ensure the continued promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. 

NATIONAL UPDATES

KEY ISSUES VOTERS WANT 12TH PARLIAMENT TO FOCUS ON

As Uganda heads towards the 2026 General Election, Voters have voiced strong expectations for the incoming 12th Parliament, calling for a renewed focus on service delivery,job creation,inclusive growth,and accountability.

Source:

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/elections/key-issues-voters-want-12th-parliament-to-focus-on-5241018

UGANDA, KENYA APPROVE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR CROSS-BORDER EXPRESSWAY

Uganda and Kenya have jointly approved the feasibility study for the proposed Multinational Expressway that will link the two countries via the Northern Corridor, paving the way for one of East Africa’s most ambitious transport infrastructure projects.

Source:

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/296604/ugandakenya-approve-feasibility-study-for-cross-border-expressway

15 UWA OFFICIALS CHARGED OVER SHS9BN GORILLA PERMIT FRAUD

Fifteen officials from the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) have been charged with multiple counts of corruption and causing financial loss exceeding Shs9.3 billion in a scandal involving fraudulent gorilla and chimpanzee tracking permits.

Source:

https://nilepost.co.ug/news/296595/15-uwa-officials-charged-over-shs9bn-gorilla-permit-fraud

FULL LIST: MORE THAN 500 CLEARED TO CONTEST FOR MP SEATS

THE Electoral Commission(EC) yesterday started the two-day nominations for candidates for parliamentary elections, and  Special Interest Groups(Youth,Persons with Disabilities,Workers and Older Persons) ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Source:

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/special-reports/elections/full-list-more-than-500-cleared-to-contest-for-mp-seats-5241014

STATE HOUSE ARRESTS MUKONO SOUTH MP ASPIRANT AFTER NOMINATION

Officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit have arrested one of the Mukono South Parliamentary candidates on allegations of obtaining money by false pretense shortly after he was nominated to participate in 2026 General Election.

Source:

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/state-house-arrests-mukono-south-mp-aspirant-after-nomination-5241306

REGIONAL UPDATES

APATHY AND UNEASE AHEAD OF IVORY COAST’S POLLS AFTER PROTESTS IN ABIDJAN

Ahead of Ivory Coast’s Saturday election, there is an air of apathy in Abidjan’s Blockhauss neighborhood, where hundreds of protesters were arrested and several wounded during protests earlier this month.

Source:

https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/23/apathy-and-unease-ahead-of-ivory-coasts-polls-after-protests-in-abidjan/

CAMEROON VOTE RESULTS IMMINENT AS TCHIROMA INSISTS HE WON

Cameroon's top court on Wednesday dismissed all petitions against October's presidential election, paving the way for the declaration of final results.

Source:

https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/23/cameroon-vote-results-imminent-as-tchiroma-insists-he-won/

WHY KHARTOUM’S AIRPORT REOPENING MATTERS BEYOND SUDAN

Sudan’s Civil Aviation Authority announced the airport would gradually reopen for domestic services this week, and a Badr Airlines flight from Port Sudan was reported as the first civilian plane to land since the war began in April 2023.

Source:

https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/23/why-khartoums-airport-reopening-matters-beyond-sudan/

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

BLACKOUTS HIT RUSSIA'S BELGOROD AS UKRAINIAN DRONE ATTACKS SURGE

Residents of Russia's Belgorod region say blackouts, air-raid sirens and the sound of gunfire aimed at incoming Ukrainian drones are becoming increasingly common, as Kyiv retaliates against repeated bombardments of its cities with cross-border strikes of its own.

Source:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyl2wjp4nyo

TRUMP SAYS PUTIN TALKS 'DON'T GO ANYWHERE' AS HE IMPOSES NEW SANCTIONS

The US has announced new sanctions targeting Russia's two largest oil companies in an effort to pressure Moscow to negotiate a peace deal in Ukraine.

Source:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6758pn6ylo

EU SET TO ENDORSE DEAL TO TURN FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS INTO SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

European leaders aim to endorse controversial plans to use Russian frozen assets to support Ukraine at a meeting in Brussels on Thursday.

Source:

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwykd4l3dy1o

WEEKLY ANALYSIS

  1. Voters in Uganda expressing their priorities for the 12th Parliament emphasizes accountability, service delivery, and inclusive legislation. Effective parliamentary oversight and citizen participation remain crucial, supported by Article 38 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees political rights. Courts and civil society  should monitor parliamentary actions to ensure transparency and responsiveness. Continued engagement remains vital to strengthen democratic governance and public trust.
  2. Uganda and Kenya conducting a feasibility study for a cross-border expressway demonstrates commitment to regional integration and trade facilitation. The study aligns with obligations under the African Union Protocol on Free Movement and international infrastructure law. Governments engage stakeholders to assess environmental, social, and economic impacts. Continuous collaboration remains essential to ensure sustainable development and regional connectivity.
  3. Fifteen Uganda Wildlife Authority officials facing charges over a SHS9 billion gorilla permit fraud, reflects ongoing corruption challenges. The Anti-Corruption Act, 2009, provides the legal framework for prosecution and accountability. Courts maintain oversight to deter similar misconduct and uphold justice. Continuous transparency and legal enforcement remain vital to restore public confidence in wildlife governance.
  4. State House’s arrest of a Mukono South MP aspirant after nomination could raise concerns about political freedoms. Article 29 of the Ugandan Constitution guarantees assembly and expression, which authorities must respect. Courts and civil society observe proceedings to safeguard democratic participation. Continued scrutiny remains vital to prevent arbitrary political restrictions.
  5. As citizens exercise their rights to peaceful assembly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ahead of Ivory Coast’s elections, public apathy and unrest follow protests in Abidjan denying citizens  their right to exercise peaceful assembly under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Authorities must engage mediators to maintain stability and ensure inclusive participation. Continuous dialogue remains vital to prevent violence and promote credible elections.
  6. Cameroons awaiting of vote results while Tchiroma insists he wins, highlights  tension over electoral transparency. The Electoral Code and international norms must  guide vote counting and dispute resolution. Judicial review mechanisms, as applied in Ngwane v. Cameroon Electoral Commission (2018), ensure legality. Continued observation remains essential to maintain confidence in election outcomes.
  7. Khartoum’s airport reopening, facilitates humanitarian access and trade as stated under  the International aviation law under the Chicago Convention which governs safe and secure operations. Authorities  should coordinate with international agencies to support regional mobility. Continuous monitoring remains vital to maintain operational safety and regional stability.
  8. Power outages hitting  Belgorod as Ukrainian drone attacks surge, affects civilian infrastructure. International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, prohibits attacks on civilian objects. Authorities must implement emergency measures to protect essential services. Continuous precautions remain crucial to safeguard civilians and maintain public safety.
  9. The United States’s  imposing  new sanctions on Russia while talks with Putin stall, reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions. Sanctions follow international law frameworks, including the UN Charter and domestic authorizations. Diplomatic channels remain open to resolve conflicts and ensure compliance. Continuous multilateral coordination remains vital to maximize effectiveness and legality.
  10. The European Union’s  endorsing a deal to turn frozen Russian assets into support for Ukraine. ensures compliance with property rights and sanctions while delivering aid. The initiative follows EU and UN legal frameworks on asset seizure and humanitarian use. Continuous oversight remains vital to uphold legality and effectiveness.
THANK YOU FOR READING. UNTIL NEXT WEEK!

 

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