Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JAT) officers brutalize @bbstvug Journalist, Ivan Mbadi, during @HEBobiwine’s campaigns in Kween district. His camera was destroyed during the attack. We strongly condemn rising incidents of attacks on journalists for covering acts of brutality by security forces ahead of the polls. Journalism is not a crime. We call on the @PoliceUg to ensure safety of journalists and other media workers. Responsible authorities, including the @UHRC_UGANDA and the @ODPPUGANDA should inquire into these documented crimes to bring perpetrators to account. #PressFreedom | #Uganda

As we get close to the end of another year of collective efforts towards a fairer and more just society, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stood with us in defending human rights, justice, and dignity in Uganda. This season, we celebrate the courage of all who continue to speak truth to power, protect the vulnerable, and work toward a freer, fairer, and more just society. Your resilience and solidarity have been our greatest strength. May the holidays bring you rest, peace, and renewed resolve for the year ahead. Happy Holidays! ✨

Today, we solemnly remember the tragic events of November 26, 2016 in Kasese, where government security forces attacked the Rwenzururu Royal Palace, killing at least eight people. The killings prompted clashes between the police and community members, resulting in the killing of at least 14 police officers and 32 civilians. The next day, on November 27, 2016, Uganda’s army raided the palace, killing over 150 civilians, including children. The massacre remains one of the darkest chapters in Uganda’s recent history. We remember the lives lost and continue to call for impartial investigations and actions to bring perpetrators to account. The government should further provide reparations to the victims and their families and take action to end extrajudicial killings. #LestWeForget | #KaseseKillings

Earlier today, our Executive Director, @masakeonline, welcomed @Ginitastar—the UN Special Rapporteur on the freedom of peaceful assembly and of association—at our offices for a courtesy call. During the meeting, we discussed our work, the challenges, and opportunities to advance the freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in Uganda. We also explored potential areas of collaboration between Chapter Four and the UNSR to strengthen protections for civil society and peaceful assemblies. Thank you, Gina, for the visit.

Today, the Supreme of Uganda stayed the hearing of Civil Appeal No. 12 of 2024–@frankmugisha and 2 others vs Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB)—pending the hearing and determination of Supreme Court Constitutional Appeal No. 7 of 2024, Fox Odoi Oywelowo and others vs Attorney General. The civil appeal challenges the decision of @URSBHQ to deny ‘Sexual Minorities Uganda’ (SMUG) registration as a company limited by guarantee. SMUG was seeking to register to champion the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQ persons. The stay resulted from our lawyers' argument that Supreme Court Constitutional Appeal No. 7, which challenges the Constitutionality of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2023, raises issues that have a bearing on the SMUG appeal, namely, the right of LGBTQ persons to form or join associations just like everyone else and registration of organisations which seek to provide services to the LGBTQ community. It also raises concerns with the use of the principle of ‘public morality’ as an aid to the interpretation of constitutional and human rights law, which directly impacts the SMUG appeal. The Justices agreed with our position that proceeding with the SMUG appeal before resolving the constitutional questions could prejudice the appellants and risk contradictory rulings. Therefore, the Court has paused the SMUG appeal until the Constitutional Appeal against the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 is concluded.

On Tuesday, our lawyers will be at the Supreme Court of Uganda for the hearing of an appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal, which upheld @URSBHQ’s refusal to register ‘Sexual Minorities Uganda’ (SMUG) as a company. This is an important case challenging a section of the Company’s Act and interpretation that restrict freedom of association and the legal registration and operation of civil society organisations working on LGBT, sexual orientation, and gender identity issues. #HumanRights | #Uganda

We’re proud to partner with @huripec and @Lex_Amica for the inaugural Uganda National Schools Moot Court Competition at @MakerereLaw, an important space to reflect on the theme and bridge the gap between theory & practice in legal & human rights work. If you can, please attend.

Today, #Uganda marks its independence—a proud moment to celebrate our resilience. Let’s renew our commitment to uphold human rights, justice, and fairness for all. True independence means every Ugandan lives with dignity and equal opportunity. #FreedomForAll | #HumanRights

Today was the last day at the office for our incredible @LDC_Uganda clerkship students Mugoya Justine and @mykodre, and our intern, @KirongoSalim—who have been with us for about three months. We thank them for the hard work, dedication to civil liberties, and fresh ideas. You've made a significant contribution to our work, and we’re excited about your future. Keep shining and stay connected.

Over the weekend, we joined our partner @KasUganda for the Youth for Policy (Y4P) Human Rights Fellowship graduation—a KAS initiative that empowers young professionals in Uganda to engage in policy analysis and research from a youth perspective. We’re pleased to have mentored and supported some of the fellows to develop their policy briefs that offer alternative policy options to defend and promote human rights. The publication provides views and policy options on a range of pressing human rights issues including Internet shutdowns in Uganda, torture of suspects, the ban of political parties at @Makerere University, right to political participation, political party public financing, public order policing, among others. For more: kas.de/en/web/uganda/single-…

This evening, we joined @hrapf_uganda to bid farewell to the Founding Director, @jjuukoa as he transitions from the role of Executive Director of the organisation. We celebrate and honor his remarkable service, marked by sacrifice and unwavering commitment to advancing equality and freedom from discrimination. We look forward to continue working closely with the incoming Executive Director, @mwebazaedward

Yesterday, we joined our partner @AdvocatesTaslaf for the two-day TASLAF Annual NGO Legal and Regulatory Compliance Symposium, 2025 at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala. This year’s Symposium—which brought together NGO leaders mostly from regional and international organizations, policymakers, regulators, donors, and development partners for dialogue and knowledge exchange—was held under the theme, ‘Legal readiness and strategic resilience: Future-proofing NGOs in Uganda’s evolving civic space’. Chapter Four’s @masakeonline facilitated a session on navigating uncertainty during election periods, which often expose NGOs to complex and overly restrictive operating environments that require a strategic response and resilience. He raised awareness about the common operational challenges, scenario planning, risk mitigation strategies, staff safety, and post-election recovery strategies. Learn more about the Symposium and look out for similar engagements in the future: taslafadvocates.com/taslafs-…

Peace is not only the absence of conflict—it is the presence of dignity, equality, tolerance, accountability, and justice. At @chapterfourug, we work to create pathways for sustainable and inclusive peace through challenging repressive laws and practices, providing first-line legal support for human rights defenders on the frontlines, and supporting civil society organizations to navigate the complex operating environment. The barriers to peace are complex. On this International Day of Peace 2025, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections, we call for accountability for human rights violations to: 1️⃣promote justice and fairness; 2️⃣foster a culture of responsibility and respect for the law; 3️⃣prevent further rights violations; 4️⃣build trust and tolerance; and 5️⃣support reconciliation. #PeaceDay | #Uganda

Earlier today, Uganda’s Constitutional Court dismissed the petition seeking to repeal sections of the Divorce Act that provide for a ‘fault-based’ divorce system in favor of the ‘no-fault’ system. In her lead judgment in Innocent Ngobi Ndiko & 4 Others v Attorney General & Another (Constitutional Petition No. 23 of 2020), Justice Hellen Obura stated, “in view of the rites parties to a marriage go through as they enter any of the above five types of marriages, it would be erroneous to say the free consent that each party gives can be unilaterally withdrawn by either of them who then petitions court merely for a decree granting a divorce without giving any reason as to why the marriage should be dissolved.” In conclusion, Justice Obura held, “while I agree with the assertion of the petitioners that the Divorce Act is an old law that pre-dates the 1995 Constitution, I find that sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, now 29, 32 and 37 of the Divorce Act subscribe to the values, norms and aspirations of the people of Uganda. They therefore remain good law until the people of Uganda through their elected representatives in @Parliament_Ug decide otherwise.” Among the five justices on the panel, Justice Egonda-Ntende was the sole dissenter. In his dissenting judgment, he discussed the historical context of the Divorce Act and noted that grounds for divorce in section 4 of the Divorce Act do not acknowledge free consent as forming the spine of marriage. In agreeing with the no-fault divorce system as proposed by the petitioners, he stated, “in my view, free consent in Article 31(3) is a subsisting element that breathes life into marriage and sustains its existence. Without consent, a marriage cannot come into existence and by implication if such consent is withdrawn during marriage, the marriage collapses… Consent is a continuous element in the existence of the marriage.” He further observed that a family unit from which consent is absent may hardly be the place to raise a happy family. “We are aware of course that often the members will walk away regardless of the legal position, and often times move on with their lives”, he noted. For more, see link to the judgment: shorturl.at/IuAiE

Tomorrow morning, the Constitutional Court will have an opportunity to end Uganda’s archaic and unconstitutional ‘fault-based divorce system’ that is highly adversarial and acrimonious—often exacerbating conflict, and emotional distress for the couple, families, and any children involved. Our lawyers will be at the Constitutional Court in Kampala to receive the judgment in the case of Innocent Ngobi Ndiko, @nickopiyo @bkabumba & 2 Others v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition No. 23 of 2020. In this strategic case, we worked with partners to challenge several provisions of the Divorce Act and procedure adopted in divorce proceedings in Uganda, which we contend often simply delay justice in foregone conclusion, often perpetuating domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes of passion thereby destroying any possibilities of reconciliation in the protection of the family unit. We seek several declarations, including: 1. Legal requirement for a spouse to prove that the other spouse in a marriage has committed adultery, cruelty, or desertion for divorce to be granted is inconsistent with the Constitution. 2. A trial-like procedure in divorce proceedings is inconsistent with the Constitution. 3. Granting courts discretionary powers to decide whether two consenting adults ought to continue in a marital relationship is an infringement on a wide spectrum of constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Court has no powers to compel someone to stay in a marriage, and to engage in sexual relationship, against their will. We contend that courts should be enjoined to enter a Decree Nisi upon receipt of a petition for dissolution of marriage, identification of parties, and a report for failed mediation; and then delve into determination of other consequential reliefs such as property acquired during the marriage, custody of the children, etc. We further invited the Court to issue an injunction restraining all courts in Uganda currently handling divorce proceedings from continuing to contravene the Constitution as detailed in the petition. We hope the Court will seize the watershed moment to usher in the ‘no-fault divorce system’, where a divorce can be granted based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage without needing to go through the protracted trial-like process to prove fault. #HumanRights | #Uganda

On this day in 2014, the Constitutional Court of Uganda declared the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2014 null and void on grounds that it was enacted by the 9th @Parliament_Ug without quorum. The law permitted sentences of life in prison for some sexual acts between consenting adults and vaguely defined ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in ways that threatened human rights advocacy work. The law reinforced existing colonial-era penal code law that criminalise consensual same-sex sexual relationships among adults. A decade later, in 2023, the Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 with largely similar provisions. Today, we continue to work with @CFE_Uganda and other partners to provide legal representation in the Supreme Court to challenge the discriminatory law. #TodayInHistory | #Equality

Earlier today, our Program Manager @ByansiHenry joined our partner @UnwantedWitness for the launch of a report on the weaponization of surveillance and spyware to target and impede civil society, human rights defenders, and journalists in East and Southern Africa. We join partners to call on the @Parliament_Ug, and other policy makers, to reform surveillance laws to align them with human rights standards and international obligations by repealing vague provisions, defining practices, requiring court warrants, limiting scope and duration, and prohibiting spyware use against human rights defenders and civil society. To strongly advocate for these reforms, and other reforms detailed in the report, civil society in the region need to foster solidarity and cross-boarder collaboration to strengthen coalitions to coordinate, share resources, coordinate advocacy, support targeted individuals and organizations, and demand accountability for violations. For more about the report, see link: bit.ly/3FXczdr

When legal proceedings take too long, the outcome—even if favorable—is essentially the same as receiving no justice at all. This is because prolonged delays can cause significant harm to the parties involved. Join @elisonk now for this timely conversation with @nickopiyo

In commemoration of the UN Day in Support of Victims of Torture, we worked in concert with @actvuganda @UHRC_UGANDA and other members of Uganda's Coalition Against Torture (CAT) to hold a public dialogue under the theme, "torture and a violence-free election for all, by all." Ahead of the upcoming elections, the event provided an opportunity to reflect on Uganda's troubling history of torture, the broader culture of impunity that allows justifications for torture to flourish, and the political climate that undermines meaningful accountability and reinforces impunity for torture. In his keynote address, Dr. @bkabumba challenged the @JudiciaryUG to end the stringent standards for proving torture in criminal trials and issued a clarion call to all Ugandans to summon their courage to speak up and take action to challenge oppressive systems. "Judicial interpretations of torture in Ugandan courts, while recognizing the universal prohibition against it, have established overly stringent tests for proving such violations. Recent case law reflects a reluctance to acknowledge the traumatic experiences of individuals subjected to torture. Courts have complicated the definition of torture by suggesting only the most severe cases qualify for legal protection, effectively marginalizing countless victims whose suffering does not meet these arbitrary thresholds. The context calls into question the nation's commitment to human rights, especially as the courts and political leadership struggle with the legacy of past violence while facing current challenges. The normalization of statements endorsing violence against citizens has fostered a dangerous atmosphere where the public is left to reckon with their dignity in a state that marginalizes their rights. The need for an authentic commitment to human rights and a serious reevaluation of political power dynamics in Uganda is more pressing than ever. Voices from survivors must be amplified, and a collective courage must be summoned to confront the pervasive culture of fear and violence. As history shows, the journey towards dignity and justice requires tenacity and a willingness to challenge oppressive systems, for only then can there be a meaningful shift towards a society rooted in respect for human rights." #StopTortureUG2025 | #HumanRights | #Uganda

Earlier today, Chapter Four’s @ByansiHenry and Patience Muwanguzi joined @WomenProbono for a focus group discussion with Prof. Sylvia Tamale to share our experiences to inform the development of a compendium on best practices and human rights lessons drawn from our documented and decided cases of LBQ women in #Uganda's criminal justice system.

Update: Human rights defenders @AloikinOpoloje @ClaireNamara12 and @KobusingyeNora have been granted cash bail of UGX. 150,000 each. We thank the sureties, including Dr. @bkabumba, and other public interest lawyers for the unwavering support despite yesterday’s attempts to deny our clients the right to legal representation and an opportunity to apply for bail. We continue to call for the baseless charges to be unconditionally dropped. Peaceful protest is not a crime.

Chapter Four strongly condemns today’s action of a male prison officer physically assaulting @AloikinOpoloje, a female detainee under @UgandaPrisons custody, within the premises of the LDC Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala. Under the law, prison officers are required to treat all prisoners with respect and dignity. The Prisons Act further requires that all female prisoners ‘shall at all times during detention or imprisonment be under the care, custody and supervision of a female prison officer.’ We call on the prisons authorities to conduct a prompt investigation into the incident, take disciplinary action against the officer, disclose his identity for possible further accountability actions, and ensure accountability in the treatment of prisoners. #FairTrials | #HumanRights | #Uganda

Human rights defenders @AloikinOpoloje @KobusingyeNora and @ClaireNamara12 are still being detained at Wandegeya Police Station, following their arbitrary arrest on Friday for allegedly participating in a peaceful protest along Sir Apollo Kagwa Road in Kampala. There is no legal justification for their arrest and continued detention. Peaceful protest is not a crime. The Constitution of Uganda, and the Constitutional Court, are clear on the duty of the government in respecting, facilitating, and protecting the freedom of citizens to peacefully protest and to petition, including where it involves critical opinions or dissent. Our lawyers are working to secure their release. We call for an end to such arbitrary arrests and criminalization of dissent.

Over the past two weeks, Chapter Four convened five peer support network sessions for 96 human rights defenders (HRDs) in the districts of Kween, Otuke, Arua, Adjumani, and Kitgum. The sessions provided an important opportunity for the HRDs to reflect on the human rights situation in their districts, share experiences, and grow their networks. The activity is part of our work to deliberately enhance evidence-based advocacy in the protection and promotion of human rights at the grassroots. Some of the emerging concerns included: ▪ Increased apathy to report violations and inaction to seek redress due to lack of accountability and impunity for past violations. ▪ Challenges in accessing justice in courts in criminal and civil cases due to backlog and corruption. ▪ Increased self-censorship in local radio stations and other media due to heightened risks of reprisal action associated with critical reporting. ▪ Negative cultural practices such as clan beatings (subjecting individuals to cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment in the form of corporal punishment) in the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.   Across the districts, the defenders called for greater respect for divergent and critical views, press freedom, civic space, end to reprisal attacks, and accountability for past violations—especially in the run up to the 2026 general elections. We thank our partners @KasUganda and the @EUinUG for the support in convening the peer support sessions under the “Human Rights - Our Concern” project.

President Museveni has assented to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (Amendment) Act, 2025. The law provides for several sections that fail to comply with the directives and orders of the Supreme Court, including providing for the trial of civilians in military courts without justifiable ‘exceptional circumstances’. #UPDF | #FairTrials | #Uganda

Update: The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala has dismissed the ‘common nuisance’ case against our clients, @AloikinOpoloje @KobusingyeNora and Kemitoma Kyenzibo, for want of prosecution. The trio were arrested and charged on September 2, 2024 for participating in a peaceful nude protest near the @Parliament_Ug against corruption and abuse of office. While we welcome the dismissal of the case, we raise concern about the many incidents of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, emotional distress, and other violations suffered by peaceful protestors for simply exercising their fundamental rights. The police, director of public prosecutions, and the courts, have a responsibility under the law to ensure that laws are enforced fairly and that individuals are not arbitrarily subjected to prosecution. #HumanRights | #Uganda

Earlier today, we joined @DKinUganda for the Denmark - Uganda Partnership Day 2025 celebrations in Kampala. Indeed, as noted by H.E. @DKAmbUganda, the “power of Partnerships is not just a theme. It reflects our belief that the most effective and sustainable change is achieved through genuine collaboration, shared responsibility, and a relentless focus on local needs and aspirations.” We further celebrated the Denmark Constitution Day, a pivotal moment in Danish history symbolizing the country's commitment to constitutionalism. Thank you for being a steadfast partner. We celebrate the collaboration towards defending and advancing our shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights for all. #DKUGPartnership | #Uganda

Chapter Four Uganda statement on the recent military raids on @PoliceUg stations. “Police officers who are lawfully carrying out their mandate of protecting life and property, often in difficult conditions, are human rights defenders who deserve the full protection of the law.” #HumanRights | #Uganda

STATEMENT: We demand for an immediate end to the incommunicado detention, torture & cruel treatment of human rights lawyer @AAgather. Tanzanian authorities must ensure her safe return to her family in Uganda. We’ll seek accountability for the violations. #FreeAgatherAtuhaire

Statement: The advisory orders of the Supreme Court in Attorney General v Hon. Micheal A. Kabaziguruka case are clear and instructive. We call on the Members of @Parliament_Ug to reject the unconstitutional clauses in the UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025. #FairTrials | #Uganda

On this International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), we join the LGBTQ+ community and partners to reflect on and celebrate the power of community to organise and challenge violence and discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ people. IDAHOBIT is observed annually on May 17 to commemorate the 1990 decision by the @WHO to remove homosexuality from its International Classification of Diseases. We appreciate the strength and resilience that emerges from our collective solidarity and close collaboration with the @CFE_Uganda and other allies who support human rights for all. #IDAHOBIT2025 | #HumanRights

Heartiest congratulations @AloikinOpoloje on the well-deserved @EUinUG Human Rights Defenders Award, 2025! We’re proud of your courage & tireless advocacy for a just and fairer society. Keep making a positive impact & inspiring others to stand up for freedoms. #EUHRDAward2025

Earlier today, we wrote to the Clerk to @Parliament_Ug to ask for a minimum of one month to allow time for scrutiny and analysis of the UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025 for fairly adequate public consultations and engagement. A Bill this consequential must not be rushed. The Constitution of Uganda emphasizes the role, and guarantees the right, of citizens to individually participate in the affairs of government, including in law-making processes. This can only be achieved if the government ensures that citizens have sufficient time to review proposed laws and meaningfully engage in the public consultation processes. #HumanRights | #FairTrials | #Uganda

The UPDF (Amendment) Bill, 2025 is expected to be tabled in the @Parliament_Ug this afternoon by Hon. @ObothOboth for the first reading. See link at the end of this tweet to access a copy of the Bill. The proposed law, among others, provides for ‘exceptional circumstances’ under which civilians can be tried in courts martial. We’re reviewing the 84 clauses of the 143-paged Bill to develop a written memorandum detailing the legal and human rights implications of the proposed law. Link to the Bill: chapterfouruganda.org/sites/… #FairTrials | #Uganda

For Mother’s Day, Ugandan Moms of LGBT People Speak Out: “These mothers are showing what courage and care look like under repression,” said @clarekabale, founder of PFLAG-Uganda. “Their experiences highlight how Uganda’s anti-LGBT law harms not only individuals, but entire families, which the country is mandated to protect under article 19 of Uganda’s Constitution. Their message is rooted in hope, that their resistance will inspire others in Africa to stand in solidarity and create a safe environment for all.” For more: hrw.org/news/2025/05/08/moth…

This morning, we appeared before the Constitutional Court and concluded the hearing of two petitions brought by 27 human rights defenders and civil society organisations challenging seven sections of the Computer Misuse Act, Cap. 96. See statement for details. #Uganda

Our statement on High Court ruling in @AkisoBenjamin & 14 Others v Kyambogo University. While we respect the Court’s ruling, we disagree with the whole decision. We’ll confer with our clients for next cause of action, including appealing to seek clarity on legal issues raised.

We’re in Court set for the hearing of @HRNJUganda & 13 Others v AG, Constitutional Petition No. 37 of 2022, challenging several sections of the Computer Misuse Act, Cap. 96 that provide for vague & repressive offences, including unsolicited information & misuse of social media.

Tomorrow at 09:30am, we’ll appear before the Constitutional Court for hearing of our petition challenging 7 sections of the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022 for criminalizing digital freedoms in vague, ambiguous & repressive ways that are inconsistent with the Constitution.

STATEMENT: We strongly condemn the manifest affront of @eddie_mutwe’s non-derogable and other fundamental rights. We urge the Court to apply the law, declare the trial null and void for the infringement of non-derogable rights and freedoms, and order for his immediate release.

This afternoon, we appeared before Hon. Justice Acellam Collins at the High Court (Civil Division), to seek for an Interim Order restraining @kyambogou from enforcing the suspension of the 17 students to enable them sit for their end of semester examinations which start on May 7. The university legal team requested for additional time to prepare their response to the application. As a result, the Court directed them to file their response by 11:00 am tomorrow morning. The hearing of the application for the interim order was adjourned to tomorrow at 03:00 pm. Thank you for the overwhelming messages of support to our clients. We’re hopeful that the Court will grant the temporary relief to allow them to attend to their examinations pending determination of the main application. #HumanRights | #Uganda

UPDATE: High Court has fixed our application for an Interim Order restraining @kyambogou from enforcing the decision of the Vice Chancellor to suspend the 17 students, including the Guild President @AkisoBenjamin, for 3 PM this afternoon. The University has been served. #Uganda

In our work to defend and promote press freedom in Uganda, we work closely with partners & networks. A few days ago, our Executive Director @masakeonline welcomed a team from the @CPJAfrica to reflect on the context and possible areas of collaboration. #PressFreedom | #WPFD2025

On this World Press Freedom Day, we reaffirm our commitment to a free and independent media—the bulwark for human rights and democracy. Through our strategic and public interest litigation to challenge repressive and vague laws, first line legal response to ensure journalists have access to quality and timely probono legal assistance, monitoring and documentation of violations, among others, we’ll continue to stand with journalists and media workers across the country. Amidst the rise in misinformation, disinformation and intolerance, the work of the media is more essential today than ever. As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, we call on the government to demonstrate a stronger political commitment to protecting journalists, including supporting the enforcement of laws that safeguard their rights and ensuring that incidents of violence and intimidation are swiftly investigated and perpetrators brought to account. The recent crimes against journalists during the Kawempe North by-election paint a worrying picture for the press ahead of the elections. To send a clear message that there will be no impunity for crimes against journalists, government should ensure prompt accountability for the violations. We honour and pay tribute to journalists and media workers who have paid a high price in the pursuit of a story or journalist freedoms. #WPFD2025 | #PressFreedom | #Uganda

STATEMENT: We’ve filed the first set of applications against @kyambogou in Court. We continue to urge the university leadership to do what is right to allow @AkisoBenjamin and other 16 students to attend to their end of semester examinations—rescind the illegal suspensions now.

We urge @kyambogou to immediately rescind the illegal suspensions of Guild President @AkisoBenjamin and the 16 student leaders for peacefully protesting against the fees policy. If that is not done by Friday morning, we’ll promptly take legal action to enforce our clients rights.

Earlier today, we secured the release of @kyambogou Guild President Akiso Benjamin and 9 others on cash bail of Ugx. 100,000 each at the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court in Kampala. The university student leaders are facing charges of incitement to violence, taking part in unlawful assembly, and taking part in a riot for peacefully protesting against the Ugx. 50,000 surcharge for late registration and other concerns around the fees policy and missing marks on students portals. The increased use of violence and criminal law to silence divergent and critical viewpoints in universities is deeply concerning. Under the law, students have a right to peacefully express their opinions and criticism of university policies and the university management has a responsibility to protect their expression and protest rights. We call for the one-month arbitrary suspensions and the spurious charges to be dropped. #HumanRights | #Uganda

UPDATE ON ATTORNEY GENERAL V HUMAN RIGHTS NETWORK UGANDA & 4 OTHERS, CONSTITUTIONAL APPEAL NO. 11, 2024 (SUPREME COURT)—POMA APPEAL The Supreme Court today concluded the pre-hearing session for Constitutional Appeal No. 11 of 2024 which was filed by the Attorney General of Uganda to challenge the decision of the Constitutional Court to strike down Section 8 of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) in Human Rights Network Uganda & 4 Others v Attorney General. If the parties file their written submissions by May 20, 2025, the case will be set for hearing during the upcoming Supreme Court Constitutional Appeals session slated for June 2025.   The POMA was enacted in 2013 to regulate public meetings and provide for duties and responsibilities of the police, organizers, and participants of peaceful assemblies. Section 8 of the law gave police powers to stop or prevent the holding of a peaceful assembly or order for dispersal of the assembly where the police considers it “reasonable in the circumstances”.   The said section re-introduced powers that had been struck down by the Constitutional Court in Muwanga Kivumbi v Attorney General, Constitutional Petition Number 9 of 2005, where Justice C.K Byamugisha held, “I, therefore, find that powers given to the Inspector General of Police to prohibit the convening of an assembly or procession an unjustified limitation on the enjoyment of fundamental rights. Such limitation is not demonstrably justified in free and democratic country like ours.”   In response, the Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET), Development Network of Indigenous Voluntary Associations (DENIVA), Uganda Association of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi, and Bishop Dr. Zac Niringiye working in concert with other human rights advocates petitioned the Constitutional Court to challenge Section 8 of the POMA. In March 2020, the Constitutional Court declared Section 8 of the POMA unconstitutional and faulted the Parliament of Uganda for “contemptuously” ignoring the Court’s judgment bypassing a law that contains provisions that are similar with those that were declared unconstitutional.   We look forward to filing our written submissions to demonstrate the firm constitutional protection of the freedom of a peaceful assembly as the oxygen of democracy that allows citizens to gather, participate and express their opinions for a responsive government. #HumanRights | #Uganda

UPDATE ON SMUG V URSB, CIVIL APPEAL NO. 12 OF 2024, SUPREME COURT OF UGANDA The Supreme Court today concluded the pre-hearing session in a landmark civil appeal filed by Dr. @frankmugisha, Denis Wamala and Ssenfuka Joanita challenging the decision of the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB) to refuse to reserve the name “Sexual Minorities Uganda” on grounds that the name was undesirable, against public policy, and the proposed objectives were criminal in nature.   Our Program Manager, @ByansiHenry, working together with lawyers Derrick Tukwasiibwe and @MawadriD before Hon. Mr. Justice Muzamiru Kibeedi, J.S.C. for the pre-hearing session.   On November 28, 2012, the appellants filed an application at URSB for reservation of the name “Sexual Minorities Uganda” (@SMUG2004), with the aim of seeking incorporation of the organization as a company limited by guarantee. On February 16, 2015, the URSB rejected to reserve the name on grounds that the proposed name was “undesirable” and against “public policy” because the organization was being proposed to defend and promote fundamental human rights and wellbeing of lesbians and gays. URSB noted that LGBTI individuals are engaged in activities labeled criminal acts under “unnatural offences” of the Penal Code Act and that they ‘cannot sanction a criminal act’.   In 2016, the promoters of SMUG commenced legal proceedings against URSB in the High Court in Kampala challenging the said rejection. In 2018, the High Court upheld URSB’s decision. Being dissatisfied with the decision, the promoters filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal but it was also subsequently dismissed.   The promoters of SMUG further filed another appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Court of Appeal.   All human beings, including LGBTIQ+ individuals, are entitled to the enjoyment of fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under Chapter Four of the Constitution, including the inherent freedom of association. Even though Uganda’s Penal Code prohibits sexual acts against the order of nature, this cannot be stretched to justify the infringement of constitutionally guaranteed freedom to form associations to deliver services or defend rights of LGBTIQ+ persons. #HumanRights | #Uganda