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On November 29, 2024, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDNU) launched a pivotal report documenting violence against women human rights defenders (WHRDs) in Uganda between 2020 and 2024. The launch, commemorating the International Day for WHRDs, highlighted the urgent need for protection in an environment where WHRDs face relentless attacks for their advocacy work. The report, built on extensive research and real-life experiences, unveils the stark reality of these defenders who tirelessly fight for human rights amid patriarchal violence and societal norms that often undermine their work.

The findings reveal a staggering 260 documented attacks on WHRDs, with the majority targeting individual defenders. These violations range from physical and emotional harm to professional discreditation and harassment, often leading to deep-rooted fear and self-censorship among defenders. Notably, community members were identified as the primary perpetrators, contradicting the expectation that communities would offer safety.

The report emphasizes the profound toll these attacks take, not only on the physical well-being of WHRDs but also on their mental health and professional reputation. Yet, it also underscores their resilience, highlighting the invaluable role they play in promoting democracy, justice, and peace in Uganda.

Through this report, WHRDNU calls for stronger protection mechanisms, urging government bodies, civil society organizations, and development partners to embrace its recommendations. It is critical that these stakeholders enhance advocacy efforts, integrate gender-sensitive protection strategies, and offer flexible, sustained funding for WHRDs to continue their work fearlessly. The report also highlights the need for gender-based analysis in addressing violence and for recognizing the role of digital spaces as both a tool of empowerment and a platform for abuse.

As we reflect on the findings of this ground-breaking report, it is clear that the path to justice for WHRDs requires collective action. The report serves as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the safety and well-being of those who defend human rights, ensuring that no sister is left behind in the fight for a just and equal society.

On 19th July 2024, a virtual regional coordination meeting brought together Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from the Albertine region to discuss ongoing challenges, share strategies, and strengthen collaboration. While only a portion of the 26 invited participants were able to attend, the meeting highlighted critical issues impacting the work of WHRDs in the region.

The gathering began with a warm welcome and a call to active participation. Attendees shared their recent experiences, including supporting victims of domestic violence, reporting financial exploitation, and advocating for the rights of marginalized groups. Despite facing threats and intimidation, such as harassment from local authorities and male counterparts, the WHRDs expressed determination in their efforts.

Participants discussed best practices, emphasizing the importance of sensitizing community leaders about the vital role WHRDs play. Additionally, they stressed the need for capacity-building to enhance their ability to navigate these challenges. Collaboration and communication were identified as key to avoiding isolation and ensuring collective action.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather and report incidents of attacks and threats faced by WHRDs in the region, fostering a stronger network for collective protection. Participants were encouraged to continue sharing insights and supporting one another in their ongoing work to defend women’s rights. This meeting underscored the unwavering resilience of WHRDs in the Albertine region, and the ongoing need for solidarity, protection, and empowerment

On 16th July 2024, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) from the Busoga region gathered for a virtual coordination meeting to share their experiences, discuss the challenges they face, and explore strategies to enhance their human rights work. Organized by WHRDN-U, the meeting emphasized the importance of building solidarity and fostering a safe environment for defenders across districts.

During the meeting, participants provided updates on their efforts to promote children’s rights, support victims of domestic violence, and fight against land grabbing and sexual harassment. From conducting sensitization campaigns to offering legal assistance, these WHRDs continue to demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

However, their work is not without risks. Attendees highlighted various threats, including death threats, intimidation, and verbal attacks. Despite these challenges, the group remains committed to advancing human rights and improving the safety of their communities. They shared best practices, such as organizing regular coordination meetings, resource mobilization, and self-care sessions to ensure their well-being.

In the spirit of mutual support, action points were established, including identifying new WHRDs in their districts and collaborating on outreach activities. This collective effort is crucial for creating a more coordinated and protected network of women defenders in the region.

WHRDN-U continues to be a vital platform for providing protection, capacity building, and networking opportunities, helping to empower women human rights defenders to overcome the unique challenges they face. As they move forward, the unwavering solidarity of the Busoga WHRDs remains a beacon of hope for their communities and a powerful force in the fight for justice.

On 12 July 2024,  Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from across Uganda convened for a crucial virtual meeting aimed at strengthening solidarity, addressing challenges, and enhancing strategies for the protection of WHRDs. Despite an invitation to 22 participants, 14 WHRDs actively engaged in the session, sharing updates, exchanging best practices, and setting action points for future collaboration.

Highlights of the Meeting

1. Updates from WHRDs
Participants shared inspiring stories of resilience and impact. WHRDs reported on interventions such as supporting survivors of gender-based violence, rescuing teenage girls from forced marriage, and facilitating the return of children to their families. Others provided legal support for sex workers and followed up on justice for victims of violence. These updates showcased the unwavering commitment of WHRDs to uphold human rights in their communities, often at great personal risk.

2. Current Challenges and Threats
The meeting highlighted the dangers WHRDs face in their work. Participants reported threats from community members, police harassment, and financial constraints that hinder their ability to follow up on cases. For instance, one WHRD faced community backlash for intervening in a case of a family whose house was set on fire, while another experienced hostility from police while following up on cases. The safety and well-being of WHRDs remain a significant concern that requires collective action and support.

3. Best Practices and Strategies
Participants shared strategies to enhance the protection of WHRDs. Suggestions included fostering collaboration with local authorities and police, documenting human rights achievements, and organizing support meetings to strengthen solidarity among WHRDs. Building strong relationships with duty bearers was emphasized as a critical approach to mitigating risks and threats.

4. Action Points and Next Steps
The WHRDs identified key action points to sustain momentum and strengthen protection. Notably, they committed to organizing an exchange visit with a female journalist to understand the challenges faced by women in media and build synergies. Additionally, they plan to engage with senior gender officers to discuss protection strategies and establish working relationships for future collaboration.Meeting minutes for virtual regional coordination meeting for Eastern regional WHRDs.

The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) recently convened a consultative meeting with nine Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) advocating for the rights of sex workers. The half-day session provided a safe space for defenders to share experiences, discuss the impact of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, and develop strategies to protect themselves and their communities from increasing attacks and threats.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

1. Welcome Remarks
   
   – WHRDN-U leadership emphasized the importance of reporting violations to ensure timely protection and support. The network has committed to providing legal aid, relocation support, and capacity-building initiatives for WHRDs.
   
2. Updates on Activism Work
   
   – WHRDs shared their ongoing efforts, such as legal support for detained sex workers, community-based human rights awareness, and providing educational support for children of sex workers.
   
   – Participants also noted the importance of building working relationships with key government stakeholders, including the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission.
3. Challenges and Violations Faced by SWRDs
   
   – Physical Threats and Violence: Reports of femicide, physical assaults, and threats against family members.
   – Arrests and Detentions: SWRDs face wrongful accusations, with some experiencing sexual abuse while in detention.
   – Public Hostility and Hate Speech: Defenders endure verbal attacks from community members, cultural, religious, and government leaders.
   – Raids on Homes and Offices: Police and local authorities conduct raids on SWRDs’ homes and offices, disrupting their work.
   – De-registration and Closure Threats: Offices of SWRDs’ organizations face threats of deregistration and forced closure.
   
4. Testimonies of Resilience
   – Participants shared personal stories, including harassment and threats from law enforcement and online defamation. Despite these challenges, they continue their advocacy for sex workers’ rights.
   
5. Success Stories
   – SWRDs reported positive community impacts, such as supporting detained sex workers with legal aid, ensuring access to education for children of sex workers, and fostering human rights dialogue at community levels.
   
6. Challenges Identified
   – A significant challenge identified was the reluctance of defenders to report cases of threats and attacks, which limits WHRDN-U’s ability to offer timely protection and support.

Recommendations for Strengthening Protection of SWRDs

1. Capacity Building and Networking
   • Strengthen capacity-building initiatives and create networking opportunities for SWRDs to share strategies for movement-building and collective protection.
2. Emergency Response and Protection Support
   • Provide emergency support to SWRDs targeted by hate speech, defamation, raids, and arrests, while also enhancing the security of their offices.
3. Wellness and Self-Care Spaces
   • Establish physical spaces where SWRDs can access wellness and self-care sessions to strengthen their mental and emotional resilience.
4. Visibility and Advocacy
   • Enhance the visibility of violations faced by SWRDs to raise awareness, mobilize support, and advocate for policy reforms.

The consultative meeting highlighted the urgent need for continuous support to SWRDs, who face intensified risks under Uganda’s current legal environment. By addressing the challenges and strengthening protection mechanisms for SWRDs, Uganda can create a safer and more inclusive society that upholds the rights and dignity of all its people.

In a recent regional coordination and network-building meeting, 20 women human rights defenders (WHRDs) from West Nile gathered to enhance their ability to identify and mitigate threats in their vital work. The meeting, organized by the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U), focused on equipping participants with essential knowledge to safeguard their rights and security both online and offline.

The women discussed various challenges they face in their advocacy work, ranging from physical threats like office raids and unlawful arrests to online dangers, including cyberbullying, threats, and online surveillance. Through engaging discussions, they identified critical security measures, such as stronger office security, digital tools for privacy protection, and strategies to secure personal and professional information.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission pledged to strengthen its collaboration with WHRDs in the region, offering future training opportunities to support their work. The WHRDN-U also emphasized the importance of coordination among WHRDs, ensuring mutual support in the face of common challenges. Despite the setbacks, the women committed to enhancing their solidarity and creating stronger networks for collective protection.

Looking ahead, the WHRDN-U will continue to support the West Nile WHRDs with capacity-building, digital security training, and advocacy engagements with policy makers. By reinforcing self-care practices and emergency response services, the network aims to ensure that these women can continue their critical work with confidence and security.

As we reflect on these efforts, it is clear that the protection of women human rights defenders is paramount for the advancement of justice and equality. Their resilience and commitment to human rights remain an inspiration for all.