The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has launched a fresh effort to strengthen human rights protection in Uganda’s fishing communities by training fisheries officials and security personnel on rights-based enforcement.The two-day capacity-building programme is taking place at the Civil Service College in Jinja, bringing together Fisheries Management Committee members, Fisheries Officers, the UPDF 155 Marine Battalion and Uganda Police Force personnel from Mukono and Wakiso districts.
The training is focused on helping participants integrate a Human Rights-Based Approach into their daily work, particularly during enforcement operations. UHRC says the approach is important in ensuring that efforts to regulate the fishing sector are carried out lawfully while respecting the dignity and fundamental rights of affected communities.UHRC Acting Secretary Mr. Byonabye Kamadi officially opened the training, with his remarks delivered by the Acting Director of Research, Education and Documentation, Ms. Rosemary Kemigisha.
The Commission also acknowledged the contribution of the European Union and ENABEL towards programmes aimed at advancing Business and Human Rights in Uganda.Kamadi said stronger cooperation between the different institutions operating in the fishing sector is necessary to improve accountability and ensure that human rights concerns are properly handled. He reaffirmed the Commission’s role in promoting respect for human rights and strengthening accountability among duty bearers.Ms. Juliet Logose, Head of the UHRC Kampala Regional Office, said enforcement should be guided by legality, necessity, proportionality, accountability and non-discrimination. She explained that applying these principles can help agencies enforce regulations without subjecting people in the fishing sector to unlawful or excessive treatment.
Beyond classroom sessions, participants are discussing challenges that affect human rights in the fishing sector and exploring practical approaches to resolving them. The discussions are also aimed at improving cooperation between fisheries authorities and security agencies during operations.
The training is expected to strengthen coordination among the participating institutions and improve the way human rights concerns are identified, addressed and referred. The sessions will continue on the second day as participants examine further challenges and possible solutions for promoting accountable and rights-respecting enforcement in Uganda’s fishing sector.
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