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By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ KMA Updates.
Kampala, Uganda: The commission tasks government to expedite tangible and sustainable solutions to avert gaps in the human rights and freedoms as depicted in the report.
Members of Uganda Human Rights Commission spearheaded by Ms. Mariam Wangadya (2ndR), the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission pose for a group photo after the launch of the 24th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda in 2021 at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala yesterday. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Speaking during the launch of the 24th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda in 2021, Mariam Wangadya the Executive Director of Uganda Human Rights Commission expressed concerns regarding the situation of people who dwell on islanders that is too wanting.
Ms. Mariam Wangadya the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission delivers her keynote speech during the launch of the 24th Annual Report on the State of Human Rights and Freedoms in Uganda in 2021 at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala yesterday. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
She said it has been revealed that violators f law are detained for longer hours which abrogates the 48 hours rule and increased cases of adultery which has resulted into rising cases of HIV/AIDS and this she recommended developing of the islands and mindset change.
Other key issues she highlighted on were child labor, meager pay of 150,000/= for a full lorry of stones in Karamoja mines and stinking poverty there.
Disappearance of Ugandans in 2021 to a recorded total of 69 people whereby 65 were recovered through commission’s effort though 4 are still missing, decline in health services (this entailed hoarding of medicine and caskets during the lockdown) and closure of schools were others issues brought to light.
Ms. Shifrah Lukwago, member of the Commission speaks during the launch of the report. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Hajjat Shifrah Lukwago a commissioner at Uganda Human Rights Commission and a member of the report committee showed concerns of various petitions about externalization.
She said that the commission’s research has found out in countries like Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar where we don’t have ambassadors, there is need for government to look through the rights of these people because they contribute to the countries resource envelope.
“There should also be appointment of ambassadors or consuls there such that Ugandans can have where to report in case of need but as of now there is nothing like that which puts their lives at risk”. She quoted.
She went to call on Uganda’s government to expedite sustainable solution for crowded refugees in urban centers. Shifrah says these opt for urban centers because they want to access basic services like water, healthcare, quick transport, electricity and others which at the end of the day constraint resources as well as creating competition with native Ugandans.
She recommended that government should devise a way of settling them in a gazette area care for them there in order to depopulate the city since they have special problems like lack of documentation and jobless.
Crispin Kaheru, member of the Report committee seen at the Launch at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Crispin Kaheru a member of the Report committee and the commission expounded on the effects of Covid-19 human rights and freedoms in Uganda which he says was a mass.
He informed that according to commission’s research, there was limited access to health services due to limited movements, fake Covid-19 vaccines, mandatory vaccination which scared many, misinformation on Covid-19.
He also mentioned school going children education right infringement since schools were closed for 2 years, inaccessibility of education services for children and youths with disabilities and others.
Col. Deo Karihona the Director Human Rights in the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) responds to concerns raised by guests at the report Launch. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
While responding to some concerns and issues raised by the attendees during Report reading, Col. Deo Karihona the Director Human Rights in the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) highlighted that as well as they are meant to enforce respect of human rights and freedoms, it is equally for citizens to respect their operations as well.
“It is clear that we are forces but still we are human beings meaning that we also have rights for example the other day our soldiers were attacked by citizens while doing their enforcement obligations which is not a good gesture”. He quoted.
He therefore said that it should be a 2-way traffic if we are to surely respect each others rights but as forces they are keen to human rights and freedoms protections and lauded the commission for their expansive research as depicted in the report.
Members of UPDF, Prisons and other dignitaries honor anthems at the report launch. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
Crispin Kaheru a member of Uganda Human Rights Commission and Mary Wangadya, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission are seen attentively listening to the proceedings of the report launch. Photo by Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa.
