HRCU WEEKLY UPDATE AND ANALYSIS | 27TH OCTOBER TO 2ND NOVEMBER 2025
Dear Human Rights Defenders and Partners,
As
we embark on a new week, the Human Rights Centre Uganda reaffirms its steadfast
commitment to justice, human dignity, and the protection of the rights of every
individual.
Amid
both persistent and emerging challenges, we call on all stakeholders to remain
engaged, united, and solution-oriented. Meaningful collaboration, informed
dialogue, and concerted action are vital to advancing sustainable, rights-based
responses that empower and strengthen our communities.
Below
is a concise overview of key human rights developments from the past week. We
deeply appreciate your unwavering dedication and partnership as we continue
working together to build a just, inclusive, and rights-respecting society for
all.
NATIONAL UPDATES
ONE MAN ONE VOTE: INSIDE
NEW EC BIOMETRIC SYSTEM
A consignment of 60,000
biometric voter verification machines arrived in the country on Monday,marking
a major step in preparations for Uganda’s January 15,2026 General Election.
Source:
MUSEVENI APPOINTS LINO ANGUZU AS NEW DPP
President Yoweri Museveni has
appointed Mr Lino Anguzu as the new Director of Public Prosecutions
(DPP),replacing Justice Jane Frances Abodo,who was recently elevated to
Principal Judge.
Source:
www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/museveni-appoits-lino-anguzu-as-new-dpp-5248404
HEALTH SYSTEM ON ITS KNEES
AS DONOR FUNDING SHRINKS
The country’s health sector
is buckling under a major drop support,with external (donor) funding for
national health budget declining from the high of 49 percent in 2022 to just 23
percent this year.
Source:
REFORMS:GOVERNMENT TO MERGE UNEB WITH NCDC
The government has
finalised plans to merge the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) with
the Uganda National Examinations Board( UNEB)
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/education/reforms-government-to-merge-uneb-with-ncdc-NV_221523
POLICE RAID LIRA HOTEL
HOUSING BOBI WINE
Heavy security was deployed
on Tuesday night at Lira City Hotel, where National Unity Platform (NUP)
president and presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi
Wine, was staying.Field Force Unit (FFU) officers, led by Moses Mukiibi, arrived
around 8:00 p.m. and conducted a coordinated room-to-room search.
Source:
https://nilepost.co.ug/2026-election-watch/297618/police-raid-lira-hotel-housing-bobi-wine
UPDF 4TH DIVISION COMMANDER
URGES TROOPS TO UPHOLD DISCIPLINE AHEAD OF 2026 POLLS
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence
Forces (UPDF) 4 Infantry Division Commander, Major General Felix Busizoori, has
called on troops to maintain the highest standards of discipline and integrity
as the country heads towards the 2026 General Elections.
Source:
PARLIAMENT URGES ACTION ON KAMPALA-GULU HIGHWAY BLACK SPOT
Lawmarkers urged the
Government to review and strengthen road safety policies to curb the rising
number of fatal road accidents across the country,many of which they say are
preventable.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/parliament-urges-action-on-kampalagulu-highwa-NV_221553
UAE TO PROVIDE 1.76 MILLION MEALS TO VULNERABLE UGANDANS
As Uganda strives to
achieve zero hunger by 2030,it was stated that “this campaign will distribute
5,100 boxes of food,starting with an initial batch of 2,550 boxes.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/uae-to-provide-176-million-meals-to-vulnerabl-NV_221559
REGIONAL UPDATES
KENYAN SECURITY FORCES THWART BOMB ATTACK IN BORDER
REGION
The
Counter-Terrorism Policing said that it’s forces intercepted eight suspected
al-shabab militants who were attempting to plant improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) along a busy route in the Welmerer-Yumbia area.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/world/kenyan-security-forces-thwart-bomb-attack-in-NV_221550
TANZANIA SET TO VOTE IN
CRUCIAL ELECTION AMID OPPOSITION BOYCOTT
Senior
officials of the electoral commission have said all is set ahead of Wednesday's
polls to elect a new president and members of the country's National Assembly.
Regional commissioners of the electoral body sought to assure the electorates
that the necessary measures are in place to "guarantee a peaceful, safe
and well-organised voting process.
Source:
https://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00094563.html
CAMEROON GRIPPED BY TENSION
AS POST-ELECTION PROTESTS ERUPT
Cameroon faced a second day
of political turmoil on Tuesday following the official proclamation of
presidential election results, with protests disrupting cities and drawing
international condemnation over the violent suppression of demonstrations and
arbitrary arrests.
Source:
https://www.africanews.com/2025/10/28/cameroon-gripped-by-tension-as-post-election-protests-erupt/
SOUTH AFRICA GIVES TWICE-YEARLY
HIV PREVENTION JAB THE GREEN LIGHT
South Africa has become the
first African country, and only the third nation worldwide, to register a new
twice-yearly HIV prevention jab.
Source:
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
TRUMP SAYS “NOT
ALLOWED’’ TO RUN FOR THIRD TERM
President
Donald Trump said on Wednesday he is “not allowed” to run for a third
term,acknowledging the limits laid out in the US Constitution.
Source:
https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/world/trump-says-not-allowed-to-run-for-third-term-NV_221563
VOTING OPENS IN NETHERLANDS AS POLLS SUGGEST SECOND GERT
WILDERS WIN
Voting
is under way in parliamentary elections in the Netherlands that polls suggest
could again be won by the anti-immigration firebrand Geert Wilder’s Freedom
party (PVV), although there is little chance of it being part of the next
government.
Source:
ZELENSKYY SAYS UKRAINIAN AND EUROPEAN OFFICIALS WILL MEET TO DISCUSS
DETAILS OF CEASEFIRE PLAN – AS IT HAPPENED
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
said that Ukrainian and European officials would meet at the end of
the week to discuss the details of a ceasefire plan.
Source:
CATASTROPHIC’ REPORTS AS
JAMAICA REELS FROM WORST STORM SINCE RECORDS BEGAN
Hurricane Melissa, the
strongest storm to hit Jamaica since records began in 1851, made landfall at
about midday local time on Tuesday. With winds reaching 185mph and torrential
rains, it knocked out power lines, cut off the internet, and demolished
buildings; the death toll and extent of the damage are still unknown.
Source:
WEEKLY ANALYSIS
- Uganda’s rollout of a biometric voter verification system is designed to uphold the “one person, one vote” principle ahead of the 2026 elections. This involves linking voter identities to biometric data to prevent fraud and ensure election integrity. Legally, the Electoral Commission Act permits the adoption of technology but constitutional voting rights and privacy protections must be respected. Courts may intervene if technical failures or irregularities disenfranchise voters or undermine the fairness of the elections.
- The health sector is struggling as external funding declines, impacting service delivery and access to care. The government has a constitutional and international duty to progressively realize the right to health, regardless of donor support. Failure to maintain minimum services could open legal challenges for breach of rights or discrimination. Legal frameworks require planning to ensure continuity and equitable access to essential health services.
- The proposed merger of Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) and National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) raises legal questions about statutory authority and employee rights. Each agency operates under specific legislation, so changes require amendments or transitional measures. Administrative law principles demand fairness, consultation, and reasonableness in restructuring public institutions. Legal challenges may arise from staff employment terms or stakeholders concerned about the integrity of education services.
- Police conducted a raid at a hotel housing opposition leader Bobi Wine, raising issues around liberty, security, and political rights. Searches and seizures must comply with constitutional protections and statutory law. Ugandan courts have previously intervened in cases of political interference, emphasizing fair process. The timing near elections raises concerns about potential political intimidation and violations of assembly and campaign rights.
- The UPDF commander’s call for military discipline highlights the need for neutrality and lawful conduct during elections. Military law and the Constitution limit armed forces’ involvement in politics. Past legal scrutiny shows that overreach can conflict with democratic principles. Any misuse of military power could violate citizens’ electoral and constitutional rights.
- Parliament’s call to address a dangerous stretch of highway implicates public safety and state responsibility. Road traffic and public service laws require the government to maintain infrastructure to protect lives. Neglecting high-risk areas could lead to legal liability or constitutional claims relating to the right to life. Proper oversight and investment are critical to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with the law.
- The UAE plans to supply food aid to vulnerable Ugandans, involving international agreements and domestic distribution laws. Aid programs must be implemented transparently, following public procurement and social welfare regulations. Mismanagement could result in legal consequences, including claims of corruption or misappropriation. The government is obligated to ensure fair and equitable distribution to the intended recipients.
- Kenyan authorities stopped a potential bomb attack, implicating criminal law, counter-terrorism statutes, and human rights protections. Security operations must respect constitutional rights to life, liberty, and due process. Cross-border coordination may raise jurisdictional and international law considerations. Oversight ensures anti-terrorism measures do not result in arbitrary detention or excessive force.
- Tanzania’s elections face an opposition boycott, which could affect perceived legitimacy and democratic fairness. Constitutional and electoral law frameworks ensure that elections remain competitive and free. Citizens’ political participation and voting rights remain protected under domestic and international law. Authorities must maintain transparency and adherence to election regulations to uphold democratic norms.
- Post-election protests in Cameroon raise issues of freedom of assembly, political expression, and the use of force by authorities. Domestic and international human rights laws require that protests are managed proportionally and lawfully. Electoral disputes can trigger legal challenges through constitutional or administrative courts. The state must balance public order with citizens’ political rights to avoid legal and human rights violations.
- South Africa approved a twice-yearly HIV prevention jab, expanding access to essential healthcare. Constitutional and statutory obligations require equitable distribution and protection of public health rights. Past cases like Hoffmann v South African Airways emphasize non-discrimination for people living with HIV. Legal considerations also include regulatory compliance, affordability, and intellectual property rights.
- In the United States, the 22nd Amendment legally limits presidents to two terms, barring a third. Courts have historically upheld this constitutional restriction. Any attempt to circumvent the term limit would face legal and judicial scrutiny. This protects electoral integrity and maintains constitutional order.
- Dutch elections may see a significant win for Gert Wilders’ party, governed by constitutional and electoral law. Legal safeguards ensure transparency, fairness, and mechanisms to resolve electoral disputes. Government formation and coalition building follow established legal procedures. Judicial or administrative review ensures adherence to democratic principles and election laws.
- Ukraine is negotiating a ceasefire with European officials, engaging international law and humanitarian law obligations. Ceasefire agreements become binding under treaty or customary law once formalized. National law must align with international commitments, particularly for civilian protection and post-conflict governance. Legal enforcement ensures accountability in the event of violations.
- Jamaica faces severe storm damage, invoking disaster management laws, emergency response obligations, and public safety duties. The government must protect life, provide relief, and ensure infrastructure resilience. Legal consequences may arise if negligence contributed to damage or loss. International agreements on disaster response and climate adaptation also guide state action and recovery planning.
THANKING
YOU FOR READING. TILL NEXT WEEK!
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