By Majuma Poni Ramadan
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has completed a two-day consultation aimed at collecting views from key stakeholders to inform its 29th Annual Human Rights Report, with participants highlighting a number of concerns affecting the enjoyment of rights and freedoms across Uganda.The meeting, held at Esella Country Hotel, attracted government officials, civil society representatives, human rights experts and other actors who examined emerging and long-standing human rights issues.
The discussions covered Indigenous Peoples’ rights, food safety, digital rights, migration, the extractive industry and the conduct of private businesses.Working conditions for private security guards attracted particular attention, with SSP Twaha Etima, Training Officer–Private Security at the Uganda Police Force, raising concerns over long working hours, inadequate rest and low remuneration. He said many guards work for more than 12 hours a day and seven days a week, with some earning between Shs130,000 and Shs200,000 per month before deductions.
According to Etima, deductions including NSSF contributions further reduce the amount received by workers, while some guards reportedly operate without formal employment contracts. The concerns placed the working conditions of private security personnel among the issues stakeholders want reflected in the Commission’s assessment of human rights in the country.Food safety was another major area discussed during the consultations, with officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, CEFROHT, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Health sharing their perspectives. The discussions explored how food safety and access to adequate food relate to the protection and enjoyment of human rights.
Participants also turned their attention to digital rights, as the Internet Society Uganda Chapter presented civil society views on protecting rights in an increasingly digital society. Migration and the reintegration of Ugandans returning from South Africa were also discussed, with Foreign Service Officer Sam Tiitwe saying Government is working with Enterprise Uganda to provide returnees with training and support.The extractive sector featured prominently in discussions on the relationship between human rights and environmental protection. Francis Elungat, Principal Legal Officer at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, spoke about the need to strengthen human rights due diligence and environmental safeguards, while Enabel expert Lucy Peace Nantume called for stronger inspection and regulation of private businesses in sectors such as health and education.
Closing the consultation, UHRC Caretaker Director for Monitoring and Inspections Pauline Nansamba Mutumba said the Commission expects to launch its 29th Annual Human Rights Report on the rights and freedoms in Uganda in 2026 by February 2027. The meeting was chaired by UHRC Members Hon. Shifrah Lukwago and Hon. Cripisn Kaheru, Chairperson of the Editorial Board, and attended by senior Commission officials and staff.
