- Introduction
This year, Uganda has witnessed several environmental disasters including the landslides that happened in Bulambuli a few days ago resulting into several deaths, destruction of property and displacement of people. In addition, in the course of executing evictions from wetlands inequalities emerge especially among vulnerable groups like women, children, people with disabilities and less privileged youths.
It is against this background that the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has dedicated this year’s International Human Rights Day (IHRD) to spotlight issues of human rights concern related to environmental degradation and restoration or preservation efforts. As some of you are already aware, the IHRD is the day on which the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which is the foundational framework for all human rights covenants, treaties and other international and national legal frameworks. The IHRD therefore acts as a reminder to societies all over the world of the longstanding principles of Universality of human rights.
This year, the International Theme: “Our rights, our future, right now” specifically enunciates everyone’s role in the protection and promotion of the inalienable rights to which we are all entitled to by virtue of being human, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, language, political or other opinions, national or social origin, property, birth, or other status.
Last year as we marked 75 years of the UDHR, we reflected on Uganda’s Human Rights Journey since 10th December 1948 and Access to Justice for Women in Uganda. The current Deputy Chief Justice Hon. Richard Buteera made a moving Keynote address tracing Uganda’s Human rights journey since. As the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), the UHRC takes the lead in mobilizing partners, planning and organizing commemoration activities for this day.
The National theme for this year’s commemoration activities is; Reducing inequalities in the enforcement of environmental rights and in the mitigation of the impact of environmental degradation in Uganda.
2.0 The Impact
The UHRC has documented the impact environmental forces have had on human life this year like the severe flooding in the months of August and September in Ntoroko, Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, heavy storms in Kasese and Bunyagabu districts and the landfill collapse in Kiteezi – Kampala Capital City. These affected 44,469 individuals from 8,678 households, with 25,422 people from 1,973 households internally displaced, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Uganda, August 2024, Uganda Multi-hazard EET report for the said two months. The most affected age group were children below the age of 18 (48%) followed by Adults between 18 and 64 years (43%) and elderly above 64 (9%). More than half of the affected people were female (56%). Our hearts go out to the families of the confirmed 34 victims of the Kiteezi disaster and victims of internal displacement.
In the UHRC 2022 Annual Report on the State of Human Rights in the Country, we established that at least 1600 people died of famine-related effects in Karamoja sub-region, at least 10 people went missing after floods in Kagaaga parish, Kakyera sub-county, Rakai district. Over 49 people died during the flooding in Mbale District and 800 households were estimated to have been destroyed. In Bundibugyo district, three families were reported missing after severe flooding in villages near Ntandi town on 2 September 2022. Just last week, floods cut off the Mbale-Soroti road after River Nabuyonga burst its banks, submerging the bridge. Last Wednesday, West Nile Region was cut off by floods after River Tangi burst its banks leaving travelers on Karuma–Pakwach route stranded. On the same road, a Taxi enroute Arua-Nwoya got stuck with passengers in the middle of running water. The National Roads Authority reported that two rescue boats capsized with three UNRA and three UPDF Marine personnel on board. At least six passengers in the taxi were rescued.
There have also been intermittent floods on several roads leading into the City Center Kampala causing heavy traffic jam. These floods have been attributed to encroachment on city wetlands, poor road construction methods and improper planning of settlements within Kampala city. We have also witnessed, in the past few weeks, altercation between Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and businessman Ham Kiggundu of Ham Enterprises over the construction onto a section of the Nakivubo Channel that led to flooding and destruction of commodities belonging to traders in St. Balikuddembe/Owino Market.
ASF through its Natural Resources Governance Project, recorded a total of 80 human rights incidences in Buliisa, Hoima and Kikuube districts, where oil exploration activities are ongoing, over the period ranging from May 2023 to July 2024. 13% of the human rights incidences reported were environmental rights violations such as, flooding into people’s gardens, noise and dust pollution. Other environmental concerns include uncovered mining pits, cracks to houses, abandoned damping sites, and poor waste disposal. Some of the response measures provided like the temporary shelters and settlements do not provide the much needed physical safety and security. This exposes women and girls to Gender Based Violence manifested through Sexual Gender Based Violence, Economic Violence and Psychological Violence. Although OPM has taken strides to respond to the plight of persons affected by environmental harms, more can be done to provide an enhanced gender responsive approach that safeguards women and girls rights.
2.1 Other concerns
The UHRC established that due to the need for wood and other natural resources, people had encroached on protected areas and fragile ecosystems like forests, wetlands, river banks and lake shores for both food production and other livelihood and economic activities, including sand mining, stone quarrying, timber and charcoal production. Many forests in the central region, Masindi, Hoima and Amuru districts, have been turned into farmlands due to their perceived fertile soils and the enticement of high returns from investments in agriculture. This has contributed to the adverse effects on the environment and the population living in those areas.
- Call to Action
As we commemorate this International human rights day and the 16 days of activism against gender based violence against women and girls, we note that GBV is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal issue. It threatens the safety, dignity, and humanity of individuals and undermines the health and stability of families, communities, and nations. We recognize that addressing GBV requires a collective effort grounded in justice, equality, and human rights. Understanding the root causes of GBV, the systemic inequalities that perpetuate it, and the legal remedies available to survivors is the first step toward change. Through our work, we have seen how legal education and community-driven solutions can create ripple effects that transform lives and foster safer, more equitable communities.
This requires sustained commitment. It requires that we continue to challenge harmful cultural norms and attitudes, hold perpetrators accountable, and support survivors in every way possible.
To our partners, thank you for standing with us. To the communities, thank you for your courage and resilience. And to every survivor of GBV, know that you are not alone. ASF and other partners are here to listen, support, and fight for your right to live free from violence.
As we move forward, let us all take a moment to reflect on what we can do to make a difference. Whether it is through raising awareness, volunteering, or simply having conversations that challenge discrimination; every action matters.
Together, we can build a future where women and girls are safe, empowered, and free to reach their full potential. Together, we can UNiTE to end violence against women and girls.
Further as noted during the recently concluded Business and Human Rights Symposium, our aim is to foster an environment where businesses not only comply with human rights standards but also champion them, creating models for other enterprises to follow. We urge all business people, construction companies and those involved in the mining business to ensure that they do not over pursue their economic rights and neglect their duty under Article 17(j) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda which mandates them to protect the environment.
4.0 Commemoration Activities
The Commission and partners will hold a series of dialogues/barazas at Regional Office level, a half-day high-level multi-stakeholder Public Dialogue (main event) at Golf Course hotel in Kampala from 8:30am-1:00pm, and an overarching multi-media campaign involving legacy, new media and other formats of messaging intended to carry messages beyond the 10th December 2024 main event.
4.1 High-level Multi-stakeholder Public Dialogue
This will be the main event for this year’s commemoration of the International Human Rights Day. The Hon. Third Deputy Prime Minister Hajat Rukiya Isanga Nakadama will be the Chief Guest. There will also be speeches from the Minister for Water and Environment, Hon. Sam Cheptoris, the Chairperson (UHRC), Development Partners, CSO and launch of a research study on Legal barriers to the effective implementation of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act 2012 conducted by ACTV. This will be followed by an environmental photo and audio-visual exhibition by Refugee Law Project before we dive into a live debate on environmental issues.
4.2 Regional barazas/Dialogue
These will discuss environmental related issues at the regional level and their impact on women, children and other vulnerable groups. Our Central Regional Office in partnership with ACTV will hold a community Baraza in Kiteezi to take stock of the aftermath of the tragedy and other environmental challenges that the community faces. We shall also have regional Barazas on Tuesday, 10th December in Akwang Subcounty, Kitgum District and on Wednesday, 11th Dec in Namukoora Subcounty, Kitgum District. In Karamoja Sub region, barazas on Tuesday, 10th December 2024 in Kaabong Town Council and on Wednesday, 11th December 2024 in Sidok Subcounty, Kaabong District will be conducted.
The views and feedback from the regional dialogues will feed into the discourse at the main commemoration.
4.3 Multi-media Engagement
The UHRC with partner organization, agencies and development partners plan to conduct a robust multimedia campaign aimed at mobilizing masses to take part in the commemoration, increase the knowledge about the UDHR, advocate for better environmental management and carry messages beyond the 10th December 2024 main commemoration.
5.0 Conclusion
As I end, I wish in a special way to thank our partners at this year’s commemoration especially ASF for securing us the venue, RLP for the Television Talk show, ACTV for supporting our regional Dialogues in Central, Moroto, Gulu and Radio Talk shows, JAP for the Radio Talk Shows within the central region and production of Podcasts to reach our online audience, and AGROREF, ULS & Rights 4Her for technical support in securing panellists. Credit also goes to government of Uganda for its continuous support to the UHRC. The General Public is hereby invited to take part in these commemorative activities and take key steps towards conserving and enjoyment of a clean and safe environment.
For God and My Country
Mariam Wangadya
CHAIRPERSON
Mr. Herbert Samuel Nsubuga
CEO ACTV
Mr. Mohammad Ndifuna
ED JAP
Ms. Irene Winnie Anying
COUNTRY DIRECTOR ASF
CEO RLP
