We are concerned about latest political developments in Uganda

It is a great pleasure for me to speak on behalf of the EU, on this special occasion when we join Ugandans to commemorate the International Human Rights Day 2017.

First, I take this opportunity to congratulate the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) for making 20 years since it was established in 1997. Over these years, UHRC has made positive contributions to protection and promotion of human rights for sustainable development in Uganda.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights establishes the equality and dignity of every person and makes governments responsible for ensuring people can enjoy their inalienable rights and freedoms. The EU member states consider all human rights to be universal, indivisible and interdependent. This is in line with this year’s message by the UN Secretary General, Mr Antonio Guterres, that “Human Rights are the foundation of peaceful societies and sustainable development”.

As we commemorate this day, we are concerned about the latest political developments in Uganda, which have depicted shrinking political space and increasing tension in many parts of the country, due to the proposed constitutional amendments. There is increasing intolerance for divergent views among members of the public while discussing constitutional reforms in a non-comprehensive and non-consultative manner.

This situation has resulted into violent clashes between the police and the public leading to human rights violations and use of excessive force by the police. There are also reports of doubtful detention of persons who are exercising their freedom of expression, movement, assembly and association.

This is worsened by severe restrictions on the right to access information such as the disruption of local media from broadcasting/airing public events that are important to the citizens.

As you might have observed, access to information and freedom of expression have on several occasions been hampered by restrictions imposed by State institutions such as the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), to deny citizens the right to timely information on key issues of national importance. This is done despite existence of the enabling law.

We, therefore, welcome the strong public statements made recently by the UHRC on the numerous human rights concerns in Uganda. We also appreciate the appeals made to the police to exercise neutrality and restraint in the handling of public demonstrations.

There is need to respect fundamental rights and freedoms of expression and assembly for all citizens. We, therefore, urge the police to remain non-partisan while dealing with all politicians (majority and opposition), and respect the right to peaceful assembly as provided for in the Constitution of Uganda.

The annual report of UHRC for 2016 also took note of the rampant and persistent cases of torture in detention places by police and other security agents. Individuals from all walks of life suffer, according to the report, from beatings, rape, pulling out fingernails, electric shocks, mock executions, etc.

Uganda has a comprehensive legal framework that should prevent torture, but the implementation needs to be improved. We strongly encourage the authorities to ensure that acts of violence are condemned through enforcement of the law. Perpetrators must be prosecuted.

In the recent past, we have also witnessed cases of arrests and harassment of staff of some NGOs, which are critical of government policies. We call upon government to reflect upon the various issues and concerns raised by the CSOs and ensure that civic space is protected.

With regard to the attack by security agencies on the royal palace in Kasese in November 2016, we wish to renew our call upon State authorities to fully investigate and publish information about the unfortunate incidents.

This will help to ensure rule of law and accountability for the victims and families of those who were killed in the attacks. Rule of law and justice for all are crucial to bring sustainable peace to regions of former or potential conflict.

Last week, the EU Heads of Missions were in Karamoja region and had opportunity to interact with the local leaders, CSO representatives, and visited the mining communities. We were informed about instances of land rights of local communities, which were undermined by some mining companies.

Vulnerable communities were evicted from their land without just compensation of the affected people. We call upon government to adopt a broad-based consultative approach that promotes economic development while at the same time safeguarding the livelihood of the vulnerable populations. In this regard, we once again invite government of Uganda to sign up to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), as a structured way to promote transparency and accountability in the extractive sector.

As EU member states, we reaffirm our commitment to support all stakeholders to protect and promote the universality of human rights.

Mr Pedersen is the Ambassador of Denmark to Uganda. This is a speech he delivered during the special event
to mark the International Human Rights Day held on December 15, 2017.