The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) 28th Annual Report has sparked national alarm by revealing a range of pressing social and human rights challenges. From rising youth substance abuse to delayed justice for victims and escalating mental health concerns, the report paints a sobering picture of a country grappling with deep social and governance pressures.
The report was launched in Kampala by Hon. Lamex Apitta Omara on behalf of Commission Chairperson Mariam Wangadya, who emphasized that the publication is not meant to attack institutions but to encourage accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights. Omara called on both state and non-state actors to take the findings seriously and collaborate to strengthen justice systems and democratic governance.
In 2025, UHRC registered 1,747 complaints, 324 of which involved alleged human rights violations. The Uganda Police Force recorded the highest number of complaints with 181 cases, followed by private individuals and the Uganda People’s Defence Force. Key violations reported included unlawful detention, torture, and denial of child maintenance, highlighting persistent abuse of power and mistreatment of citizens.
The report also noted that the commission’s tribunal handled hundreds of cases, awarding UGX 885 million in compensation to victims of torture, unlawful detention, and other abuses. Nevertheless, many victims continue to face delays due to funding gaps, outdated manual systems, and a backlog of unresolved cases that impede timely investigations and justice.
A particularly alarming finding is the surge in drug and alcohol abuse among young Ugandans. UHRC warns that this growing addiction is especially severe among unemployed youth aged 18 to 30, with Uganda ranking among the world’s highest per capita alcohol consumers at roughly 12 liters per person annually.
The report links the rise in substance abuse to poverty, unemployment, rural-urban migration, peer pressure, and social media influence. Many children are reportedly exposed to drugs and alcohol as early as 13 years old, increasing the risk of long-term addiction. Marijuana, kush, shisha, and kuba are among the substances most commonly used by young people seeking an escape from hardship.
Mental health facilities are feeling the strain of the growing crisis, with nearly 3.7 million Ugandans experiencing mental health challenges. Young people form the largest affected group, and 40 percent of admissions at Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital are linked to substance abuse. Regional hospitals like Soroti continue to treat hundreds of mental health patients every week, reflecting the scale of the problem.
Legal and governance experts have welcomed the report but stressed the need for improved research methods and institutional reforms. Daniel Ronald Ruhweza from Makerere University urged the commission to strengthen its methodology and uphold constitutional protections, particularly regarding the 48-hour detention rule. The UHRC report stands as a stark reminder that tackling youth addiction, mental health struggles, and human rights violations is one of Uganda’s most urgent challenges.
