By Flavia Ajok
Human Rights Defenders in the Albertine region have long stood as beacons of justice, courageously advocating for the dignity and rights of local communities. Their work, however, has often been shadowed by a hostile environment that threatens both their safety and the progress they strive to achieve.
In this lush, resource-rich landscape, these defenders tirelessly expose abuses related to land rights, environmental degradation, and social injustices. Yet their efforts are met with intimidation, harassment, and sometimes even violence. Authorities and powerful entities, resistant to scrutiny, frequently create an atmosphere of fear, hoping to silence these voices.
Jenniffer Baitwamasa, a human rights focal person for the Albertine region working with Navigators of Development Association -NAVODA says they face arrests, intimidation and prosecution during their work hence calling on national and international bodies to recognize and address the dangers they face.
Speaking during a press conference organised by Human Rights for International Human Rights Defenders Day held at HB Hotel on Tuesday morning, Baitwamasa says broader assault on fundamental freedoms that threatens the fabric of the region’s society.
Nassar Biira Kiwanuka, the Executive Director of Recreation for Development Program (RDP) Uganda says rights of people in the Albertine region are being violated and abused through land evictions, unfair and late compensations among others.
Robert Kirenga, the Executive Director of National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders Uganda- NCHRD-U noted the significant roles of HRDs in safeguarding and promoting fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals. He called on states to support the work of HRDs, address their challenges, and ensure their protection from harm while collecting cases of human rights violations.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Catherine Alupo, the Albertine Region Police Legal and Human Rights Officer implored human rights defenders to report police officers engaged in human rights abuses.
Betty Enangu Nangoli, the Hoima regional Human rights officer noted that land and environmental rights are the most violated and abused in the region, and they currently have a case log of 09. She also expressed optimism that HRDs are committed to fighting for the rights of individuals in their respective societies
This Wednesday is the International Day of Human Rights and celebrations for Hoima district will be held in Kyohairwe, Buhanika sub-county.
The commemoration was marked under the theme Celebrating and Protecting the Work of Human Right’s Defenders.
Established in 2013, NCHRD-U is a network of organizations and individuals working together to advocate for a secure environment for HRDs. With over 200 civil societies, the network collaborates with national, regional, and international entities to promote legislative and policy changes, fostering collective responses to threats against HRDs.
