Human Rights

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, has issued a circular to all prosecutors with guidance on implementing the Supreme Court’s judgment that prohibits the trial of civilians in military courts. According to Circular No. 1/2025, the Supreme Court’s ruling, delivered on January 31, 2025, mandates that all …

On Tuesday, an aide from Besigye’s political movement, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), told the BBC: “We believe he is protesting because he should not still be in prison – he should be home.” The detention sparked widespread condemnation and fears of a clandestine exchange of intelligence between the two …

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Nicholas Kristof today took aim at President Trump’s freeze of U.S. foreign aid, which has been enthusiastically abetted by multi-billionaire Elon Musk. In Kristof’s column today, he wrote that “to anyone with a heart, it’s about children’s lives and our own security, and what’s unfolding is sickening.” …

Pamela Adie, a renowned Nigerian activist, filmmaker, and director, announced the film on X (formerly Twitter), calling the sequel “magic.” The film is currently in production and is set for release in 2025. Poster for Ìfé – The Sequel. (Courtesy Pamela Adie via X) Unlike the typical Nollywood portrayal of same-sex …

Winnie Byanyima, the wife of Dr. Kizza Besigye, has petitioned the High Criminal Division of the High Court, seeking the immediate and unconditional release of her husband and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutaale. In the application filed on Wednesday, Byanyima is seeking orders requiring the Attorney General and the Commissioner of …

Uganda’s political landscape has been marred by widespread repression, unlawful detentions, and blatant human rights violations. The recent efforts by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to secure the release of political prisoners—civilians who were unlawfully tried in military courts—are commendable. This situation highlights the deeply entrenched autocratic rule that continues …

The National Unity Platform (NUP) “foot soldier” is back in the trenches, unwavering in her resolve. “I know what I want,” she declares. A four-year ordeal in military custody would break the political will of many activists, but Olivia Lutaaya appears to be made of sterner stuff—growing stronger with every …

In a landmark ruling delivered today, Justice Monica Mugenyi of the Supreme Court upheld the unconstitutionality of the section 117(1)(h) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act, which previously allowed military courts to try civilians.   The decision comes after an appeal filed by the Attorney General in 2022 …

The recent revelation by trans social media influencer Zaya Perysian regarding the denial of her correct gender marker on her renewed US passport is both alarming and deeply troubling. This decision, allegedly due to an executive order under President Trump, reflects a regressive step in human rights and personal identity …

The President, who in 1981 went to bush to restore democracy in the country and has lived castigating predecessors such as Idi Amin for defiling the Temple of Justice, argued that this decision was a setback for the country’s efforts to curb crime and protect national security. President Museveni has …