In a bid to address pressing human rights issues and foster collaboration among stakeholders, the Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) in partnership with Kick Corruption out of Uganda (KICK-U) convened a Human Rights Dialogue (Kyooto) meeting on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024. The event, held at Cephas Inn in Kabale Town, brought together over 30 individuals, including human rights defenders, duty bearers, civil society organizations (CSOs), and journalists from the Kigezi region in South Western Uganda.
The dialogue aimed to tackle current human rights trends and challenges faced by CSOs, journalists, and human rights defenders in the region. Led by local moderator Mr. KaKuru Robert Byamugisha, Executive Director of Kick Corruption Out of Uganda, the meeting focused on finding solutions and improving relations between various stakeholders. “Today’s dialogue is a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to protect and promote human rights in Uganda," stated Mr. Byamugisha. "It's about finding common ground and working together towards a more just society."
Madam Helen Namyalo Kimbugwe, Co-Director at DPI, highlighted the organization's mission to protect human rights defenders by providing risk assessments, digital security, and physical security awareness. She emphasized the importance of protecting HRDs to ensure their safety while advocating for human rights. "As human rights defenders, our safety is paramount. DPI is committed to providing the necessary support and training to ensure that defenders can carry out their work without fear," said Madam Kimbugwe.
Participants, including police, religious leaders, prison officers, judicial officers, journalists, and CSOs, shared the most pressing human rights issues and challenges they face. These ranged from advocacy for better standards of living to challenges with access to information and intimidation.
"We need to advocate for a better standard of living for all citizens, ensuring that everyone has access to basic needs," remarked Mr. Ronald Bakak, Deputy RDC Kabale District. "We also need to respect the rights of suspects and ensure they are treated fairly."
Media representatives expressed concerns about harassment and lack of access to information, while CSOs cited challenges with resource implementation, unpopularized laws, and high expectations from government leaders. "In our work as journalists, we often face harassment and threats, especially when we report on sensitive issues," noted a media representative. "Access to information is also a challenge, hindering our ability to inform the public."
In conclusion, all participants agreed on the need for security for HRDs, advocating for a conducive court administration environment, civic education, and advocating for laws and policy matters. They recommended working together, employing professionalism, strengthening collaboration and networking, capacity building, and engaging religious institutions on development matters.
The dialogue was hailed as a crucial step in addressing challenges and improving the human rights situation in Southwestern Uganda. Participants commended Kick Corruption out of Uganda and DPI for hosting the meeting and appreciated their ongoing efforts in promoting human rights and fighting corruption.
