Statements

As we join the global community to celebrate International Women’s Day, we at the Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) are proud to embrace the 2024 theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.” This day is not only a call to celebrate the achievements of women but also a reminder of the importance of our ongoing commitment to gender equity and equality.

We are deeply saddened by recent reports of escalating cases of illegal detention, kidnap, and torture of citizens, especially targeting human rights defenders and activists.

The most recent cases of Mr. Kakwenza Rwakirabashaija, a Novelist, and Mr. Samuel Masereka, the Coordinator of the National Unity Platform in Kasese are some of the publicly discussed indicators of a very worrying trend. The evidence in the public domain reveals that the two were arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and denied access to their families and lawyers at various points while in detention. These are a violation of fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1995 Constitution of Uganda and the International Human Rights Statutes.

As the collective leadership of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uganda, we congratulate all Ugandans for their  resilience and making it through a challenging 2021. It is the resolve of Ugandans to overcome the social, economic, and political challenges that continue to inspire Civil Society Organisations to focus on and aspire for a country that is fair, just, and prosperous for all.