Electoral stakeholders urged to adhere to guidelines and professional law enforcement to uphold human rights in elections campaigns  

As part of the celebrations to mark the International Human Rights Days 2025, human rights stakeholders have convened to commemorate with a National Stakeholders Dialogue to strengthen democratic space throughout a peaceful election cycle. 

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the foundation of all modern human rights and legal frameworks as a guiding document for justice and dignity worldwide, which according to Mr.Leonard Zulu, the UN Resident Coordinator, said that the UN–Government Cooperation Framework (2026–2030) places human rights at its core reaffirming shared commitment to policies and actions that protect and promote the rights of all Ugandans ahead of 2026 general elections.

While opening the National Stakeholders Dialogue, held at Golf Course hotel, Hon. Mariam Wangadya, Chairperson, UHRC said that “As we enjoy today’s discussion, let us critique one another with grace, respect and honor. Let us guide with facts and standards, argue not for the sake of winning but to learn from one another and aim at offering a solution not fault finding.“

She called for stakeholders to front peace and tolerance to different views and professional operations.

“We just need to remain vigilant, handle matters as they arise on a case by case basis and continue with messages of peace, tolerance for divergent views, beliefs and customs as well as professionalism in the performance of our duties as duty bearers for the betterment of everyone” she said

This year’s UHRC’s Human Rights Day is under the national theme of: “Strengthening Democratic Space, Upholding Freedom of Expression, Speech, Association, Media, and Security of Person”

 Mr.Leonard Zulu

The UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda added that “Human rights are not self-executing; they require constant vigilance, active participation, and unwavering commitment from all sectors of society. This shared responsibility requires special attention to those whose voices are often unheard, including women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, whose lived experiences must guide our collective action,” 

Rev. Canon Augustine Magala Musiwuufu, Board Member from ACTV Uganda in his sisde said that “Demanding for accountability and respect for rule of law is not a crime but a sign of an empowered citizenry. An open and pluralistic civic space that guarantees freedom of expression and opinion as well as freedom of assembly and association, is a prerequisite for making development and peace sustainable,”

The panel discussion 

The panel discussion including representatives Doroth Kyobutungi from Uganda Police, Faridah Luke, George Musisi representative Leader of opposition, Councel Maj Awich Pillar from NRM Party, Mucu guzi from Electoral Commission and Pauline Mutungi from UHRC discussed a topic on sharing experiences on strengthening Democratic space, upholding freedom of expression, speech, association among others. 

Majo Awich Pillar from NRM said that as a party they adhere to human rights very strongly

Mr R. Mucungizi from EC called for dialogue with candidates and other stakeholders to address emerging issues during the campaign season.

He said that elections rights comes with responsibility to infringing on other people rights as we continue to respect each other, keeping within the law for peaceful elections and campaigns.

SSP Dorothy Kyomutungi said that ime midst of Police’s mandate to guarantee human rights, there is a role to protect, prevent crim, detect as a duo role.

She said as they protect human rights it’s heir role to also maintain the security of others involved for individual and collective rights.

“Where the law calls us to regulate and maintain the order we have the responsibility to suppress disorder. We find ourselves in the cross roads. When it crosses the line we cause a balance to the unpredictable which com from the prevailing circumstances”

The dialogue included Organisation such as UHRC, ACTV, UNFPA, Advocats Sans Frontiers among others.