The Human Rights Centre Uganda Blog

THE WEEK OF 22 ND TO 28 TH JANUARY 2024 Dear reader, Welcome to this week! As we delve into this week’s edition of the weekly updates on the working environment of HRDs and key emerging issues, we will begin with a quote by former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson: " We must understand the role of human rights as empowering of individuals and communities. By protecting these rights, we can help prevent the many conflicts based on poverty, discrimination and exclusion (social, economic and political) that continue to plague humanity and destroy decades of development efforts. The vicious circle of human rights violations that lead to conflicts-which in turn lead to more violations-must be broken. I believe we can break it only by ensuring respect for all human rights. " Therefore, it is imperative that as HRDs, we continue to speak about human rights as this helps raise awareness about issues affecting individuals and communitie...

  THE WEEK OF 15 TH TO 21 ST JANUARY 2024 Dear reader, good day! Welcome to this week! As we embark on another enlightening week together, HRCU is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to all of you to our ongoing conversation on human rights and the working environment of HRDs in Uganda. Each week, our blog serves as a platform to explore, discuss, and advocate for the fundamental principles that underpin the dignity and equality of every individual. It is with profound sadness that we extend our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Hon. Cecilia Ogwal.   In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, colleagues, and constituents as they navigate through the pain of this loss. Some of the stories that were captured during the week included: MP CECILIA OGWAL IS DEAD Dokolo District Women’s Constituency Member of Parliament and former Miss Uganda, Cecilia Ogwal passed away last week. Media reports indicate that the 77-yea...

  THE WEEK OF 8 TH TO 14 TH JANUARY 2024 Dear reader, Happy new year! and welcome to 2024 As our doors officially open in 2024, we not only invite you to be a part of our journey but also extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and belief in us over the years. Welcome to our very first edition of the weekly updates for the year 2024. MUSEVENI REAPPOINTS ELECTORAL COMMISSION CHAIRPERSON BYABAKAMA FOR ANOTHER TERM President Yoweri Museveni has reappointed Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, and his deputy, Hajat Aisha Lubega for another seven-year term. Byabakama was first appointed chairperson of the commission in November 2016 and now in a January 5 letter to the speaker of parliament, Museveni has awarded Byabakama and Lubega another term in office. The new faces at the commission include Robert Kasule Sebunya, a former MP for Kyandondo North in the 9th parliament and later Nansana Municipality in the 10th parliament. Seb...

  THE HUMAN RIGHTS CENTRE UGANDA (HRCU) WEEKLY UPDATE ON KEY EMERGING HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES WITHIN THE WORKING ENVIROMENT OF HRDS IN UGANDA THE WEEK OF 4 TH TO 10 TH DECEMBER 2023 Dear reader, welcome to this new week, Last week, Uganda joined the rest of world to commemorate the International HRDs day and the International Human Rights Day. Every year on December 10th, Human Rights Day commemorates the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The UDHR is a foundational document that recognizes the inherent dignity and equal rights of all members of the human family. This year, was the 75th anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). In addition, on the International HRD day, HRCU issued a press statement which can be accessed here In Uganda, celebrations to mark the two days mentioned above were spearheaded by the National Coal...