WHRDs play a vital role in promoting human rights, equality, and social justice across Uganda. However, they continue to face significant threats, discrimination, and violations of their rights. A recent interactive dialogue facilitated by Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) shed light on these pressing issues and explored pathways for stronger protection mechanisms.
On April 16, 2024, 06 WHRDs representing diverse social movements and regions across Uganda, engaged in a dialogue with the EOC at its offices in Kampala. The meeting provided a platform for WHRDs to share their lives experiences and highlight the urgent challenges they face. Their testimonies revealed patterns of threats, harassment, and discrimination, underscoring the need for strengthened support and collaboration with government institutions.
Lived Realities and Urgent Challenges. One WHRD shared her experiences of being denied access to government program due to stigma associated with her health status, while another narrated threats and intimidation faced while advocating for rights of indegeneous community evicted from their ancestral land. Stories of WHRDs advocating for disability rights and those documenting human rights violations in Uganda’s oil and extractive sector revealed the extent of hostility and abuse they face in their work. These powerful testimonies moved members of the EOC, with the Chairperson pledging immediate action to address the highlighted issues.
Commitment from the Equal Opportunities Commission. GThe Honorable Chairperson of the EOC.Ms.Sophia Nalule, reaffirmed the commission’s constitutional mandate to eliminate inequality, discrimination, and marginalization. She pledged to document the situation of WHRDs in the commission’s annual report and called for the development of stronger safeguards for WHRDs working in the oil, gas, and extractive sector. The Chairperson further promised to strengthen collaboration with WHRDN-U through partnership with the commission’s Legal Services and Investigation Department.
Key Recommendations to Advance Protection were presented to the EOC, including the need to assign a focal person at the commission to sensitized WHRDs about the commission’s mandate, recognize WHRD’s contribution to addressing inequality, and establish a complaint mechanism for WHRDs. These steps aim to bridge the gap between WHRDs and government bodies, ensuring timely responses to cases of discrimination and inequality.
A Call to Action. The WHRDN-U’s Executive Director emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for WHRDs to share their challenges and engage directly with policy makers. She highlighted the organization’s commitment to providing holistic protection for WHRDs, including legal aid, wellness support and emergency relocation for those facing imminent threats.
The dialogue marked a critical step toward fostering meaningful collaboration between WHRDs and government bodies. As the EOC commits to increased support for WHRDs, there is hope that targeted measures will protect these frontline defenders and enhance their ability to continue their vital work without fear of reprisals.
Article published by Brenda Kugonza, Executive Director of WHRDN-U