11 May, 2022
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A cross-section of representatives of human rights focused institutions and organisations at the launch of Wakiso District Human Rights Committee 2nd Human Rights Situation Report
Photo: A cross-section of representatives of human rights institutions at the launch of WDHRC Report

April 2022: The report was officially launched on 28 April 2022 by the Director of Research at Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mr. Byonabye Kamadi, at the Wakiso District Headquarters’ Council Hall, in the presence of 110 participants (66 males and 44 female) from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons, Civil Society Organizations, Human Rights Defenders, and Wakiso district community officials.   It is the first human rights report at the local government level in Uganda. The process received financial and technical support for the UN Human Rights Office in Uganda.

Mr. Kamadi reassured the participants to the launch, that the human rights report was a good starting point for advocacy to address human rights issues in the district. “We hope this will inform the Committee’s programming and engagements within the communities as well as analyze whether the human rights situation in the district is improving or deteriorating.” He said.

Mr Javier Sanjuan, the Human Rights Officer, representing the Country Representative of UN Human Rights at the function, commended the Wakiso District Human Rights Committee for the compilation of the report and pledged continuous support from the office towards forthcoming human rights efforts. “The report will help in the assessment of the human rights situation in the district and in promoting the implementation of the Human Rights Agenda at the district level,” Javier said.

The chairperson of the Wakiso District Human Rights Committee Mr Elly Kasirye expressed gratitude for the consistent and timely support of the UN Human Rights Office and other partners, for the compilation of the report and on addressing the human rights violations in Wakiso District.

Mr Robert Kirenga, the Executive Director, the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, commended the Committee for providing support to human rights defenders in arguably hostile working environments and encouraged those in Wakiso to reach out to the National Coalition if they face any challenges. He appealed to the leadership to “consider citizens as the wealth of the country by respecting and promoting their social and economic rights because that would propel the country to a peaceful nation.” He observed.

The Wakiso District Human Rights Committee was formed in 2019 and has since benefited from financial and technical support from UN Human Rights among other partners, for its activities.