By Our Reporter
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has concluded a two-day consultative meeting that brought together government officials, civil society organisations, human rights practitioners and other stakeholders to examine some of the major rights and freedoms concerns facing Ugandans.Held at Esella Country Hotel, the consultation was organised as part of preparations for the Commission’s 29th Annual Human Rights Report.
Participants shared information and recommendations covering a wide range of issues, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples, food safety, digital rights, migration, the extractive industry and human rights practices within private businesses.Private security workers emerged as one of the areas of concern, with Training Officer–Private Security at the Uganda Police Force, SSP Twaha Etima, highlighting difficult working conditions faced by many guards. He said some workers are subjected to shifts lasting more than 12 hours and may work throughout the week without adequate rest, while earning between Shs130,000 and Shs200,000 monthly before statutory and other deductions.
The meeting also examined the relationship between food safety and the enjoyment of human rights, with contributions from officials representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT), the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health. Participants emphasised the importance of safe and accessible food as part of protecting people’s welfare and dignity.The growing role of technology in society also featured prominently, as the Internet Society Uganda Chapter presented perspectives on digital rights and the need to safeguard freedoms in the online environment. Discussions further covered the return of Ugandans from South Africa, with Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sam Tiitwe, saying Government is working with Enterprise Uganda and other ministries to equip returnees with skills and support for reintegration.Stakeholders also considered human rights and environmental protection within Uganda’s extractive sector.
Francis Elungat, Principal Legal Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, shared perspectives on strengthening human rights due diligence and environmental safeguards, while Enabel Business and Human Rights Expert Lucy Peace Nantume called for stronger oversight of private businesses, particularly facilities operating in the health and education sectors.Nantume said inspections of private facilities should pay attention to issues such as affordability, accessibility, non-discrimination, protection of vulnerable groups, accountability and effective regulation. The consultations provided the Commission with views from different sectors that will inform the preparation of its assessment of the state of human rights and freedoms in Uganda.
Closing the meeting, UHRC Caretaker Director for Monitoring and Inspections Pauline Nansamba Mutumba said the 29th Annual Human Rights Report covering 2026 is expected to be launched by February 2027. The sessions were chaired by UHRC Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago and Hon. Cripisn Kaheru, who also chairs the Commission’s Editorial Board, with other senior Commission officials and staff attending the consultations.
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