HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 17TH TO 23RD NOVEMBER 2025
Dear Human Rights Defender and Partner,
As we begin a new week, the
Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU) renews its steadfast commitment to the
pursuit of justice, the preservation of human dignity, and the advancement of
human rights for all people. Our work continues to be guided by the principles
of accountability, compassion, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
In a landscape shaped by
enduring challenges and emerging opportunities, we call upon all partners and
stakeholders to remain focused, engaged, and united in purpose. Through
principled collaboration, informed dialogue, and sustained empathy, we can
continue to forge resilient, rights-based solutions that strengthen our
communities and advance collective wellbeing.
Below is a concise overview
of key human rights developments from the past week. We extend our sincere
appreciation for your continued partnership, commitment, and dedication to
building a just, inclusive, and rights-respecting Uganda.
NATIONAL UPDATES
NUP SUPPORTERS' BAIL RULING SET FOR
DECEMBER 5 AMID HEALTH CONCERNS
The Kawempe Magistrates Court has set December 5th
for the ruling on mandatory bail for National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters,
who have been on remand for over 60 days.
Source:
INCOMING PARLIAMENT TASKED TO
PRIORITISE MENTAL HEALTH, CONFRONT HARMFUL NORMS
State Minister for Gender, Peace Mutuuzo has urged the
incoming 12th Parliament to place mental health, rehabilitation
services and harmful cultural norms at the centre of its legislative agenda.
Source:
JUDICIARY
HAS ADVANCED RIGHTS BUT FAILED IN POLITICALLY SENSITIVE CASES-PROF SSEMPEBWA
Prof.Frederick Ssempebwa, a member of the 1995
Constitutional Commission and later chairperson of the Constitutional Review Commission,
says the Judiciary has made important contributions to protecting
constitutional rights but has failed to safeguard the rights of certain
individuals.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/judiciary-has-advanced-rights-but-failed-in-p-NV_222935
PUBLIC LOSING TRUST IN GOVT SERVICES –
UBOS REPORT
Nearly five in every 10 Ugandans do not trust public
services, a new National Governance, Peace and Security Survey (NGPSS) report
has revealed.
Source:
GOVT DISBURSES SHS529B PDM MONEY TO
SACCOS
The government yesterday announced a significant
financial disbursement aimed at fostering economic growth and financial
inclusion in communities across the country.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-disburses-shs529b-pdm-money-to-saccos-5269534
UGANDA MAY MISS 2030 HIV/AIDS TARGET –
EXPERTS
As the country races to end HIV/AIDs as a public
health threat by 2030, new figures from the Uganda Aids Commission (UAC),show
there Has been a slight decline in HIV prevalence from 5.1 percent in 2023 to
4.9 percent in December 2024.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-may-miss-2030-hiv-aids-target-experts-5269538
FLOODS RAVAGE KAMPALA AGAIN
A brief but intense afternoon downpour yesterday
triggered fresh flooding in parts of Kampala, disrupting business and
heightening fear among traders still recovering from last month’s devastating
floods.
Source:
https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/floods-ravage-kampala-again-5270584
UGANDAN POLICE BLOCK NUP IN ARUA AHEAD
OF ELECTIONS
Uganda’s opposition National
Unity Platform (NUP) says police blocked its staff from accessing a planned
campaign venue in the key northern city of Arua on Wednesday.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/11/19/ugandan-police-block-nup-in-arua-ahead-of-elections//
REGIONAL UPDATES
TANZANIA'S PRESIDENT SAYS ELECTION
VIOLENCE MAY HURT ACCESS TO FUNDING
Tanzania’s
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has warned that the violence that erupted after
the country’s disputed October election risks undermining Tanzania’s access to
vital international funding.
Source:
SOUTH SUDAN'S KIIR RE-APPOINTS FORMER
VP AFTER SACKING ALLY
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has re-appointed
his former vice president James Wani Igga to the same position,the state
broadcaster said,after dismissing a powerful ally who had been widely seen as a
potential successor.
Source:
ESWATINI CONFIRMS IT RECEIVED MILLIONS
FOR ACCEPTING US DEPORTEES
Eswatini has confirmed for the
first time that it received $5.1 million from the United States in exchange for
accepting third-country deportees.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
US DELIVERS HIV PREVENTION DRUG TO TWO
AFRICAN COUNTRIES
The United States said Tuesday it has delivered a new
treatment to prevent HIV in two African countries, months after President
Donald Trump dramatically cut global aid.
Source:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/us-delivers-hiv-prevention-drug-to-two-african-countries/
UK COURT FINDS MINING FIRM LIABLE FOR
BRAZIL'S WORST ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER
Mining
company called Broken
Hill Proprietary has been
found liable for a 2015 dam collapse in Brazil, known as the country's
worst-ever environmental disaster, by London's High Court.
Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8034v2e3l3o
UN SECURITY COUNCIL VOTES TO ENDORSE
DONALD TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN
The
UN security council has endorsed proposals put forward by Donald Trump for a
lasting peace in Gaza, including the deployment of an international
stabilisation force and a
possible path to a sovereign Palestinian state.
Source:
WEEK'S ANALYSIS
- In the human rights sense, prolonged detention of persons conflicts with the constitutional right to liberty under Article 23 of the Ugandan Constitution, which guarantees freedom from arbitrary detention. Health concerns further invoke the State’s obligation under Article 44 (non-derogable rights) and international standards such as the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules). Case law such as for Foundation for Human Rights Initiatives v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 20 of 2006, [2008] UGCC 1 (26 March 2008) emphasizes the State’s duty to maintain humane detention conditions and expeditious judicial processes.
- Articles 29(1)(d) and 38 of the Ugandan Constitution protect free assembly and political participation, and any restriction must meet the Article 43 standard of being demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society. In Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye & Another v. Inspector General of Police & Others, Miscellaneous Cause No. 09 of 2013, High Court of Uganda ([2009] UGHCLD 3, 1 September 2009), the Court held that Police may regulate but not prohibit assemblies. Paul K. Ssemogerere & Others v. Attorney‑General, Constitutional Appeal No. 1 of 2002, Supreme Court of Uganda ([2004] UGSC 54, 29 January 2004) similarly emphasizes the protection of political freedoms in a democratic society.
- Erosion of public trust indicates systemic deficiencies in governance and the delivery of essential services. Under Article 38 of the Ugandan Constitution, citizens are entitled to participate in governance and expect accountability. Lack of transparency often violates principles of good governance under the Leadership Code Act and the Public Finance Management Act. Comparative jurisprudence, such as Uganda v Commissioner of Prisons, Ex Parte Matovu [1966] 1 E.A. 514 (High Court of Uganda), highlights the importance of institutional credibility in upholding democratic values.
- The disbursement of PDM funds demonstrates government commitment to local economic empowerment. However, risks of corruption or mismanagement are governed by the Anti-Corruption Act, Inspectorate of Government Act, and financial tracking mandates under the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. Oversight mechanisms require strict compliance to avoid precedents such as Uganda v Lwamafa Jimmy & 2 Ors, Criminal Session 9 of 2015, [2016] UGHCACD 4 (11 November 2016), which reaffirmed the liability of public officials for misuse of public resources. Effective implementation will rely on transparent reporting and local capacity.
- Falling behind on 2030 HIV/AIDS targets points to gaps in prevention strategies and service accessibility. Uganda’s obligations under SDG 3 (Good Health and Well‑being) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) require progressive realization of health rights. Stigma and unequal access contravene Article 21 (freedom from discrimination) of the Ugandan Constitution. Past cases such as Center for Health, Human Rights & Development (CEHURD) & 3 Ors v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 16 of 2011, [2012] UGCC 13 (6 June 2012) affirm the State’s duty to ensure adequate health services.
- Recurrent flooding exposes failures in enforcement of urban planning laws and environmental protection. The State’s obligations under the National Environment Act, 2019 and the Physical Planning Act demand sustainable infrastructure planning. Climate‑related impacts align with Uganda’s duties under the Paris Agreement. Case law such as GreenWatch v Attorney General & NEMA, Misc. Cause No. 140 of 2002, [2012] UGHC 205 (5 October 2012) underscores the State’s duty to protect the environment for present and future generations.
- Judicial progress in rights protection reflects growing constitutionalism, yet weaknesses in political cases undermine legitimacy. The Ugandan Constitution under Article 128 guarantees judicial independence, which must withstand political pressure. Cases such as Dr Kizza Besigye & 10 Ors v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 7 of 2007, [2009] UGCC 3 (1 September 2009) highlight persistent concerns over interference in politically sensitive matters, underscoring the need for stronger institutional safeguards to protect judicial integrity and public confidence.
- The renewed focus on mental health aligns with obligations under the Mental Health Act, 2019, which mandates accessible, dignified care. Addressing harmful social norms is consistent with the Domestic Violence Act, Children Act, and international commitments such as CEDAW. Parliament must strengthen policy frameworks and allocate adequate funding. Community sensitization is essential to eliminating stigma and protecting vulnerable groups.
- Election-related violence threatens democratic integrity and economic stability. International partners often tie funding to adherence to democratic norms under frameworks like the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG). Election-related obligations include ensuring free, fair, and credible elections as outlined in the East African Community Treaty. Comparative jurisprudence such as Kenya’s 2017 Presidential Election Petition shows the economic implications of electoral instability.
- Frequent political reshuffles reflect instability within South Sudan’s governance structures. Such actions may contravene obligations under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), which emphasizes predictable power-sharing. Political volatility weakens institutional continuity and fosters factionalism. Stability requires adherence to constitutionalism and inclusive political dialogue.
- Financial incentives for accepting deportees raise ethical concerns under international migration law and principles of sovereignty. Such agreements must comply with the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers. Public backlash may stem from perceived commodification of human movement. The matter also reflects global disparities in migration governance.
- The supply of HIV prevention medication indicates strong global health cooperation. These actions align with obligations under President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UN Declaration on Ending AIDS, and SDG 3. Access to preventive medication supports national public health strategies and reduces infection risk. Long-term sustainability requires integration into domestic health policies and funding systems.
- Judicial progress in rights protection reflects growing constitutionalism, yet weaknesses in political cases continue to undermine legitimacy. The Ugandan Constitution under Article 128 guarantees judicial independence, which must withstand political pressure. Cases such as Dr Kizza Besigye & 10 Others v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 7 of 2007, [2009] UGCC 3 (1 September 2009) illustrate long-standing concerns over judicial impartiality in politically charged matters. Strengthening the judiciary’s structural insulation from external influence remains essential for restoring and sustaining public trust.
- The UK court finding a mining firm liable for Brazil's worst environmental disaster highlights growing cross-border accountability. The court ruled the company is responsible for harm caused abroad, showing multinational firms cannot escape consequences. This mirrors Lungowe v Vedanta Resources plc & Konkola Copper Mines Plc, [2019] UKSC 20 (10 April 2019), which affirmed liability for overseas harm. The ruling reinforces corporate responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and sets a precedent for victims seeking justice beyond domestic courts.
- The Security Council’s endorsement marks a shift in geopolitical alliances and decision-making dynamics. International peace interventions must adhere to the UN Charter, particularly principles of sovereignty and conflict resolution. Such resolutions often face scrutiny under international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Implementation will depend on regional buy-in and diplomatic negotiation.
THANKING
YOU FOR READING. TILL NEXT WEEK!
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