UHRC Wraps Up Consultations On 29th Annual Human Rights Report

By Our Reporter

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has concluded a two-day stakeholder consultation aimed at gathering information and views for its 29th Annual Human Rights Report.

The consultation, held at Esella Country Hotel, brought together government officials, civil society organisations, human rights experts and other stakeholders to examine major human rights concerns in Uganda.

Participants discussed issues relating to the rights of Indigenous Peoples, food safety, digital rights, migration, the extractive sector and human rights in private businesses.

The working conditions of private security guards were among the issues raised during the meeting. SSP Twaha Etima, Training Officer for Private Security at the Uganda Police Force, said many guards work for long hours without adequate rest and are paid low wages.

Etima said some guards work for more than 12 hours a day and seven days a week without rest. He added that many earn between Shs130,000 and Shs200,000 per month before deductions, with their final earnings reduced further by deductions such as NSSF contributions.

Food safety and its connection to human rights also featured prominently in the discussions. Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, CEFROHT, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health contributed to the discussions on the issue.

Stakeholders also examined digital rights, with the Internet Society Uganda Chapter presenting views from civil society on protecting rights in the digital environment. The discussions focused on the importance of digital platforms in communication, access to information and other areas of daily life.

The meeting further discussed the return of Ugandans from South Africa. Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sam Tiitwe, said Government was working with Enterprise Uganda to support returnees through training programmes. He said the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, Planning and Economic Development were working together to support the initiative.

Human rights and environmental concerns in the extractive sector were also discussed. Francis Elungat, Principal Legal Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, shared views on strengthening human rights due diligence and environmental safeguards within the sector.

Lucy Peace Nantume, a Business and Human Rights Expert at Enabel, highlighted concerns involving private businesses, particularly in the health and education sectors. She called for increased inspection of private facilities to assess affordability, accessibility, non-discrimination, accountability and the protection of vulnerable groups.

Closing the consultation, UHRC Caretaker Director for Monitoring and Inspections Pauline Nansamba Mutumba said the 29th Annual Human Rights Report on human rights and freedoms in Uganda in 2026 is expected to be launched by February 2027. She said the timeframe would allow sufficient opportunity for the report’s recommendations to be considered and implemented.

The consultation was chaired by UHRC Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago and Hon. Cripisn Kaheru, who also serves as Chairperson of the Commission’s Editorial Board. Other officials present included Acting Secretary to the Commission Mr Kamadi Byonabye, Director Regional Services Ms Sarah Nakhumitsa, Acting Director of Finance and Administration Mr Dennis Kakeeto, Manager of the Policy and Planning Division Mr Charles Mukasa Tebuseke and staff from the Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections.