Association
On 30th June 2023, the UN High Commission for Human Rights sub-offices in Gulu officially closed. On 31st July 2023, the Moroto sub-offices also closed. A few days later, on 5th August 2023, the Kampala offices officially ended their operations, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. These actions were in response to the Government's choice not to renew the Host Country Agreement as previously reported on the Monitor.
On 10th July 2023, HRW, in a letter addressing issues concerning the Total Energies oil project in Uganda, expressed grave concerns about the unjust treatment of activists who oppose the project and the forced eviction of individuals from their land without fair compensation.
On 16th July 2023, security personnel in Uganda arrested Desire Nkurunziza, an environmental HRD, in response to’ his involvement in addressing deforestation concerns in the Bugoma Central Forest Reserve, which had been rented to Hoima Sugar Limited. He was subjected to physical assault and falsely accused of engaging in illegal activities by the company's armed personnel. On 18th July 2023, despite fulfilling all court requirements, Nkurunziza’s request for bail was denied. On 24th July 2023, he was released on court bail, with the obligation to report back to the Chief Magistrate’s Court of Hoima on 31st August 2023, and again on 2nd November 2023, without specific reasons.
On 14th August 2023, Sarah Akello, an environmental defender from Tapac sub county, emphasised, in a petition to Moroto district local government calling for action against widespread environmental degradation, that their efforts to combat destructive mining activities, especially those carried out by Tororo Cement Factory Limited, have exposed them to threats.
On 28th September 2023, a report by the Convening for Equality (CFE) coalition highlighted the impact of Uganda's Anti Homosexuality Act (AHA), enacted in May 2023, which prescribes the death penalty for certain same-sex acts. The report revealed private individuals as the main perpetrators of human rights abuses against sexual minorities this year. These abuses, including torture, rape, arrest and eviction, show the consequences of AHA and the continued negative attitudes against these individuals. Researchers documented 306 rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity between 1st January and 31st August 2023, with state actors responsible for 25 cases. Additionally, 18 instances of forced anal examinations by the police were reported. Similarly, an article explained that SOGIE refugees face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement due to systemic discrimination.
Earlier, on 26th July 2023, the UN Human Rights Committee voiced concern over Uganda's enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA), which criminalises same-sex relationships, and the arbitrary arrest of political opponents, journalists and human rights defenders. The Committee emphasised the urgent need for repealing the Act and ensuring remedies for victims.
Expression
On 14th June 2023, unidentified people harassed four reporters who were covering local elections in Bukedea district. Among them, Eddy Enuru, a broadcast reporter, was confronted as he prepared to begin live coverage of the elections. Additionally, 10 individuals, claiming to be security personnel, told reporter Emwamu to stay away from the polling station and briefly took his phone and camera.
On 3rd July 2023, Yusuf, the manager of Gateway Bus, assaulted journalist Gerald Niyirinda from Voice of Muhabura Radio and destroyed his recorder. This occurred as Gerald was interviewing a passenger who was protesting being dropped off halfway through their journey.
On 21st July 2023, unknown men from inside the opposition party offices assaulted and stole several mobile phones belonging to seven reporters who were covering a press conference held by Wasswa Birigwa, the chairman of Uganda's main opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). In a different incident, a police officer slapped reporter John Xerxes Ogulei from Teso Broadcasting Services while he was waiting to cover a meeting in Soroti, causing Ogulei's phone and camera stand to fall and break. The officer accused Ogulei of tarnishing the government's image through his coverage.