UHRC Concludes Consultations For 29th Annual Human Rights Report

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has concluded a two-day stakeholder consultation to gather views and information for its 29th Annual Human Rights Report on the state of human rights and freedoms in Uganda.

The meeting was held at Esella Country Hotel and brought together government officials, civil society organisations, human rights experts and other stakeholders. Discussions covered several areas, including the rights of Indigenous Peoples, food safety, digital rights, migration, the extractive sector and human rights concerns in private businesses.

One of the major issues discussed was the welfare and working conditions of private security guards. SSP Twaha Etima, the Uganda Police Force Training Officer for Private Security, said many guards work for long hours without adequate rest and are paid low wages.

Etima said some private security guards work for more than 12 hours a day and seven days a week without rest. He also said many earn between Shs130,000 and Shs200,000 per month before deductions, with their take-home pay reduced further by deductions such as NSSF contributions.

Stakeholders also discussed food safety and its relationship with human rights. The discussions brought together officials from 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.

Digital rights were another key area of discussion, with the Internet Society Uganda Chapter presenting civil society views on protecting human rights in the digital environment. Participants considered issues surrounding access to information, communication and the increasing role of digital platforms in people’s daily lives.

The meeting also considered the situation of Ugandans returning from South Africa. Foreign Service Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sam Tiitwe, said Government was working with Enterprise Uganda to support returnees through training. He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development were working together to help returnees acquire skills in different areas.

Human rights and environmental protection in the extractive sector were also examined. Francis Elungat, Principal Legal Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, shared views on strengthening human rights due diligence and environmental safeguards in the sector.
Business and Human Rights Expert at Enabel, Lucy Peace Nantume, raised concerns about possible human rights violations in private businesses, particularly in the health and education sectors. She called for stronger inspection of private facilities to assess issues such as affordability, access, non-discrimination, accessibility for vulnerable people, accountability and regulation.

Closing the consultation, UHRC Caretaker Director for Monitoring and Inspections Pauline Nansamba Mutumba said the 29th Annual Human Rights Report on the rights and freedoms in Uganda in 2026 is expected to be launched by February 2027. She said the timeline would allow stakeholders enough time to consider and implement recommendations contained in the report.
The sessions were chaired by UHRC Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago and Hon. Cripisn Kaheru, who also serves as Chairperson of the Commission’s Editorial Board. Also present were Acting Secretary to the Commission Mr Kamadi Byonabye, Director Regional Services Ms Sarah Nakhumitsa, Acting Director of Finance and Administration Mr Dennis Kakeeto, Manager of the Policy and Planning Division Mr Charles Mukasa Tebuseke and staff from the Directorate of Monitoring and Inspections.