UHRC launches Uganda’s Human Rights, Freedom Report with a call for reforms and dialogue promotion

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) officially launched its 28th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda, 2025, comprehensively outlining the Commission's findings and recommendations for advancing human rights, emphasizing the need for sincere dialogue, institutional reforms, and adherence to the rule of law.  

The report that has been submitted to Parliament, was launched on May 20, 2026 at the Protea Hotel in Kampala, assesses the national human rights landscape, highlighting emerging issues and providing recommendations.

During the presentation of the report key issues including Emerging Technologies, Emerging Technologies, Pre-Election Monitoring, Tribunal Action among others were highlighted.

In his remarks at the launch, UHRC Acting Chairperson Hon. Lamex Apitta Omara urged stakeholders to commit to sincere dialogue, institutional reforms, and unwavering adherence to the rule of law to foster a just and inclusive society.

Hon. Lamex Apitta Omara

He called for a collective responsibilities of all stakeholders in protecting human rights reaffirming the Commission's commitment to guiding Uganda toward a more peaceful and inclusive future.

 “Human rights protection is a collective responsibility. As we share the findings of the 28^th Annual Report. Let us all, in our respective capacities, continue to stand up for human rights, for the good of our country and for the good of the future generations" he said.

The UN Resident Coordinator Mr. Zulu Leonard as key partner in the promotion and protection of Human Rights participated in the launch of the Braille version of the report for the people with disability commended the commission for the report.

Hope Bagota

Hope Bagota - Acting Director Monitoring & Inspections, Uganda Human Rights Commission while presenting the report highlights urged all the relevant stakeholders in the report to implement the recommendations to enhamce rights and freedom of Ugandans.  

“We ask government and all relevant actors to carefully consider and implement the recommendations contained in this Commission Report in order to strengthen the protection of the rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution of Uganda.

She added that “The right to vote is a right upon which all other rights depend. Because we get to vote different mandate holders that represent us and air our views and see that our rights and our rights are promoted and protected.”

Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza

Dr. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza, Senior Lecturer and Head Department of Law and Jurisprudence, School of Law, Makerere University, raised concerns about the report’s methodological framework, emphasizing the need for a dedicated methodology chapter outlining sampling techniques, evidentiary standards, data verification processes, and geographical coverage to strengthen the report’s empirical credibility and legal reliability. 

He questioned disparities between the Commission’s findings on election-related casualties and figures reported by international observers and civil society organizations, arguing that national human rights institutions must maintain methodological rigor sufficient to command public trust and international legitimacy.

The Acting Secretary UHRC Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, emphasized that human rights protection is a continuous national responsibility that requires collective action from government institutions, security agencies, civil society, development partners, Parliament, and citizens alike.

He noted that the annual report is not merely a ritual, but a call to action for all responsible institutions to implement the Commission’s recommendations and strengthen accountability in the protection and promotion of human rights across Uganda.

The report launch attracted stakeholders including: Uganda Police Force, UPDF, Uganda Prisons Service, civil society organizations, development partners, the Government of Uganda, among others.