As part of its wider mandate to promote the awareness of human rights through civic education, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is conducting a series of radio talk shows across the Country. The over 245 talk shows started being conducted in May this year and are still being conducted up to the end of this month.
According to the Director of Research Education and Documentation Mr. Byonabye Kamadi whose directorate is spearheading this project, a total of 242 radio talk shows have already been conducted in the past two months; May, June and part of July. He said only three talk shows are left and they have already been earmarked for radio stations under Kabale Regional Office.
“These Talk Shows are being supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and we have been conducting them under different topics based on the issues identified in the area/region. The topics ranged from the rights of suspects before, during and after arrest, the role of women in Development (actually I was discussing this on K-fm last night); rights of vulnerable groups; children, women and refugees, right to property, succession and right to inheritance, compensation and land-related rights in the Oil and Gas sector, human rights and governance, to gender-based violence among others,” Mr Byonabye said.
He further revealed that the Talk Shows were spread based on the UHRC regional office demarcations; that is, Central Region did 15, Soroti 30, Hoima 24, Moroto 18, Kabale 24, Lira 20, Mbarara 24, Masaka 18, Jinja 24, Gulu 15, Fort Portal 18 and Arua 15.
The director further said the Commission is also doing a number of Spot Messages in five different regions and languages; that is, Masaka (in Luganda and Runyankore), Hoima in five languages (Runyoro, Aruu, Rugungu, Swahili and English), Central in (English and Luganda), Mbarara in Runyankole, Mororo in Lebu-Thur and Ngakarimojong.
He said the Commission is also producing Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials on elections and human rights.
The UHRC has a wider mandate under Article 52 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda but specifically under Article 52 (1) (c), the Commission is mandated to establish a continuing programme of research, education and information to enhance respect of human rights.
It is also mandated under Article 52(1) (g) to formulate, implement and oversee programmes intended to inculcate in the citizens of Uganda awareness of their civic responsibilities and an appreciation of their rights and obligations as free people.
