Human Rights

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 …

The Uganda Law Society (ULS)  has  handed its Radical New Bar Demilitarization Award to Senior Advocate Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuuzi for his tireless efforts in fighting for an independent and demilitarized judiciary in Uganda. The citation, presented by ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde, recognizes Rwakafuuzi’s lifetime commitment to defending the rights of …

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has emphasised the need for compensation for persons subjected to gross violations of their rights. Tayebwa made the proposal following a report by the Committee on Human Rights that revealed that some prisoners across the country have been detained for over 28 years …

 Four Justices of the Supreme Court, Monica Mugenyi, Catherine Bamugemereire, Elizabeth Musoke and Percy Night Tuhaise have ruled that the military courts are not independent courts of judicature that can fairly dispense justice. In their ruling, the three justices point out the way the judges of the military courts are …

🟨 The General Court Martial is a subordinate court of law, with specialized jurisdiction. This means that the military courts are under the ordinary courts of law. 🟨 Sections of the UPDF Act that grant military courts jurisdiction over capital offences are unconstitutional. 🟨 Military courts in Uganda do not …

Canadian-based Ugandan activist and human rights defender Ntege Lubwama Williams has publicly expressed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order to suspend USAID funding to Uganda and other African nations. Williams, a permanent resident of Canada and a victim of President Yoweri Museveni’s regime, is leading a group …

This report provides a detailed examination of significant corruption scandals in Uganda, particularly those involving the misappropriation of foreign aid from agencies such as USAID, UKAID, the IMF, the World Bank, GAVI, and others. The focus is on incidents during the tenure of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) under President …