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The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has commenced consultations that will shape its 29th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda, bringing together different stakeholders to provide evidence on the country’s human rights situation. The discussions are covering issues that directly affect citizens, including access to healthcare, juvenile justice, the rights of older persons and working conditions for medical interns.
The two-day engagement is being conducted by the Commission’s Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections and has attracted representatives from government, civil society, professional organisations and other institutions. Participants include officials from the Ministries of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Health, as well as representatives from the Governance and Security Programme Secretariat, Help Age Advocacy Network Uganda, Uganda Medical Association, Federation for Uganda Medical Interns and Africa Green Health Network.
Acting Secretary to the Commission Mr. Kamadi Byonabye said the consultations will address several thematic areas that will feed into the preparation of the annual report. In addition to juvenile justice and the right to health, the discussions are examining the rights of older persons, the welfare of security guards, air pollution and air quality, digital rights and food safety.
Commissioner Hon. Crispin Kaheru, who chairs the Editorial Board, said the UHRC cannot independently capture the full human rights picture without listening to people and institutions with direct knowledge of the issues under review. He said the Commission is seeking perspectives from government, civil society, academia and technical experts to establish the progress achieved, identify remaining gaps and examine possible responses.
Kaheru also urged contributors to avoid concealing difficult issues and instead provide evidence that can help the Commission accurately document the situation. He said the report should go beyond theoretical discussions and reflect the actual experiences of Ugandans, particularly those who interact with public institutions and services on a daily basis.
Commission Member Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, who opened the meeting on behalf of UHRC Chairperson Hon. Mariam Wangadya, said the consultation process is central to producing a report that is credible and grounded in evidence. She encouraged participants to question areas where government action has fallen short or taken longer than expected, while also examining the implementation of recommendations made in earlier UHRC reports.
The consultations have already highlighted concerns surrounding children and healthcare workers. Senior State Attorney Counsel Brian Musota told participants that Uganda has laws and legal instruments aimed at protecting children and supporting juvenile justice, but effective implementation remains a challenge. Dr. Allan Okwir, outgoing Secretary General of the Federation for Uganda Medical Interns, meanwhile cited delayed deployment, inadequate allowances and long working hours, saying some interns work for more than 36 hours without rest.
The views and evidence gathered from the consultations will be used in preparing the UHRC’s 29th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda. Commissioner Lukwago called for emerging concerns to receive attention and said human rights should be examined in the places where Ugandans live and work, including homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces, police stations, prisons and government offices. The sessions are being chaired by Commissioners Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Simeo Muwanga Nsubuga and Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta, with UHRC Directors Sarah Nakhumitsa, Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, Dennis Kakeeto and Rosemary Kemigisha also attending.
