Uganda has been under scrutiny as Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi Karugaba addresses the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) during its 77th session held in Arusha, Tanzania. Kafuuzi’s speech covered various human rights issues in the country, including arrests of opposition members, compensation for victims of political violence, alleged enforced disappearances, and the situation of refugees.
Deputy Attorney General Jackson Kafuuzi began by emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to upholding the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Maputo Protocol, stating the legal obligation to ensure compliance with these international agreements.
In addressing the arrests of opposition members, Kafuuzi acknowledged the events of November 2020 and the government’s commitment to conducting thorough investigations. He provided statistics related to the arrests and legal outcomes, showing that a significant number had been arraigned before the court.
Regarding compensation for victims of violence, Kafuuzi stated that the process is underway, with claims presented to the Attorney General’s office. He affirmed the government’s commitment to investigating every life lost during the unfortunate events.
The issue of enforced disappearances was also discussed. Kafuuzi mentioned that individuals alleging enforced disappearances have the right to apply for a writ of habeas corpus. He noted that most cases investigated by human rights bodies lacked merit, with some victims changing their narratives.
The presentation highlighted Uganda’s efforts in hosting and supporting refugees, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. Kafuuzi emphasized that Uganda has ratified international legal instruments and enacted national legislation to protect refugees and grant them socioeconomic rights.
The Deputy Attorney General also touched on Uganda’s efforts to address gender-based violence, advance women’s interests, and eliminate discriminatory practices.
Kafuuzi concluded by addressing challenges related to climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, resource constraints, and the impact of technology on human rights. He acknowledged funding limitations due to a constrained resource envelope, exacerbated by the pandemic.
This report, the 6th of its kind to the commission, covered both achievements and challenges in upholding human rights in Uganda for the period from 2013 to 2022.
| Topic | Uganda’s Commitment | Arrests of Opposition Members | Compensation for Victims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Details | Upholding international human rights accords | Acknowledging events of November 2020 | Compensation process underway |
| Statistics | Legal obligation for compliance | Legal outcomes of arrested individuals | Claims presented to the Attorney General’s office |
| Enforced Disappearances | Efforts to investigate disappearances | Right to apply for writ of habeas corpus | Many cases found to lack merit |
| Refugee Support | Hosting and supporting refugees | Largest refugee-hosting country in Africa | International instruments ratified |
| Gender Equality | Addressing gender-based violence | Advancing women’s interests | Eliminating discriminatory practices |
| Conclusion | Addressing challenges and constraints | Impact of technology on human rights | Funding limitations due to resource constraints |
