Following the government’s decision not to renew the mandate of the OHCHR country office, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, announced the official closure, sparking reactions from human rights activists, politicians, and the international community.
HISTORY OF OHCHR IN UGANDA
The OHCHR was established in Uganda in 2006 to address the human rights situation in conflict-affected areas in the northern and north-eastern regions of the country.
The government renewed the OHCHR agreement in 2009 and expanded its mandate to cover the entire nation and all human rights issues. In February 2020, the mandate was further expanded to include the establishment of a regional human rights training center.
However, the ministry of Foreign Affairs’ letter dated February 3, 2023, signaled the government’s decision not to renew the mandate, citing the prevailing peace, strong national human rights institutions, and vibrant civil society as reasons for the decision. The letter also expressed gratitude for the OHCHR’s contributions to human rights promotion and protection in Uganda.
“… given the government’s strong commitment to the promotion of and protection of human rights, the prevailing peace throughout the country, coupled with strong national human rights institutions and vibrant civil society with the capacity to monitor the promotion and protection of human rights, the ministry wishes to convey government’s decision not to renew the mandate of the OHCHR country office in Uganda beyond the current term in accordance with Article 68 of the host country agreement between the government of Uganda signed on February 9, 2020,” reads the letter.
“The ministry wishes to convey the government’s appreciation to the OHCHR country office for its contribution towards the promotion and protection of human rights in Uganda and enhancement of the capacity of national human rights institutions and civil society organisations in Uganda,” the letter further said.
TÜRK’S STATEMENT AND CONCERNS
Türk’s response was one of regret over the closure, acknowledging progress in the country but warning of the serious human rights challenges that remain.
He urged the Ugandan government to provide adequate re- sources to the Uganda Human Rights Commission, which he said was under-funded and faced reports of political interference. Türk also emphasized the UN Human Rights Office’s commitment to working on human rights issues in Uganda.
UGANDA’S STANCE
The state minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem, defended the government’s decision, claiming transparency and commitment to human rights. He mentioned that the OHCHR had been given notice in 2020 that their amendment would not be renewed in 2023 and, asserted that the government does not fear these institutions.
HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
Despite the government’s claims, the country has witnessed prominent human rights violations. These include police brutality against political candidates, torture of individuals for alleged participation in criminal activities, abuse of journalists, and abductions without trial. Such incidents have sparked outrage and concern, both nationally and internationally.
REACTIONS TO CLOSURE
The closure has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Human rights activists like Sarah Bireete criticized President Museveni’s handling of human rights, calling the closure a failure of duty. Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, a Ugandan novelist who was allegedly tortured, expressed fear of increased violence.
Human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza called the closure a “demonic decision,” viewing it as a hindrance to documentation and exposure of human rights violations. He urged human rights defenders not to give up, emphasizing the importance of their work.
Former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu expressed concern over growing international condemnation and isolation, noting actions such as shutting down NGOs and deporting international figures.
Luyimbazi Nalukoola, a human rights lawyer, stressed the importance of international intervention in cases of human rights violations in Uganda, especially considering the challenges faced by the Uganda Human Rights Commission.
The closure of the OHCHR office in Uganda represents a critical juncture in the nation’s human rights trajectory. While the government insists on its commitment to human rights and praises the OHCHR’s past contributions, concerns about existing and potential human rights violations are profound.
The decision has set off alarms for human rights defenders and has broader implications for Uganda’s position on the global stage. It also raises questions about how the country will address human rights issues moving forward and whether national institutions can adequately fill the gap left by the OHCHR’s departure.
International scrutiny will likely continue, and the Ugandan government’s actions will be closely monitored. The situation reflects the delicate balance between national sovereignty and the international community’s role in upholding human rights standards.
It remains to be seen how this dynamic will play out in Uganda’s ongoing journey towards full enjoyment of human rights for all its citizens.
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