The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has concluded a two-day consultative meeting that brought together government officials, civil society organisations, human rights experts and other stakeholders to examine some of the pressing issues affecting human rights and freedoms in Uganda.
The consultations, held at Esella Country Hotel, are part of the preparations for the Commission’s 29th Annual Human Rights Report. Participants provided views and information on a wide range of issues, including Indigenous Peoples’ rights, food safety, digital rights, migration, the extractive industry and the protection of human rights in private businesses.
The plight of private security guards emerged as one of the major concerns during the meeting. SSP Twaha Etima, Training Officer–Private Security at the Uganda Police Force, said many guards work extremely long hours, with some reportedly working for more than 12 hours a day and seven days a week without adequate rest.
Etima further said many private security guards receive between Shs130,000 and Shs200,000 per month before deductions, with their take-home pay reduced further by deductions such as NSSF contributions. He also raised concerns about guards working without formal employment contracts, highlighting the need for greater attention to their working conditions.
Food safety and its connection to human rights also featured prominently, with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, CEFROHT, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health contributing to the discussions. Stakeholders also examined digital rights, with the Internet Society Uganda Chapter presenting civil society perspectives on protecting freedoms and rights in the digital environment.
The consultations further considered the situation of Ugandans returning from South Africa. Foreign Service Officer Sam Tiitwe said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with Enterprise Uganda, alongside the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, to provide returnees with training and support to help them rebuild their livelihoods.
Human rights concerns in Uganda’s extractive sector were also discussed, with Principal Legal Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development Francis Elungat highlighting the importance of human rights due diligence and environmental safeguards. Enabel Business and Human Rights Expert Lucy Peace Nantume meanwhile called for stronger inspection of private facilities, particularly in health and education, to address affordability, accessibility, non-discrimination, accountability and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Closing the meeting, UHRC Caretaker Director for Monitoring and Inspections Pauline Nansamba Mutumba said the 29th Annual Human Rights Report covering the rights and freedoms in Uganda in 2026 is expected to be launched by February 2027. The consultations were chaired by UHRC Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago and Hon. Cripisn Kaheru, who also chairs the Commission’s Editorial Board, and were attended by senior Commission officials and staff.
