Chapter Four statement on indefinite suspension of the organization’s NGO permit. “We consider this suspension unjustified and are pursuing all available administrative and legal measures to restore our operational status as soon as possible.” For more: chapterfouruganda.org/statem…

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

We’re deeply concerned by the arrest of human rights advocate @SarahBireete, the executive director of @ccgea1. As we continue to make inquiries on the situation, we urge the @PoliceUg to promptly disclose the nature of the alleged offence, place of detention, and ensure that her next-of-kin, lawyers and if necessary—personal doctor—are granted immediate reasonable access to see her. We further call on the police to respect her right to privacy and ensure that no unlawful entry or search are carried out. #FreeSarahBireete | #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! ✨

Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act, Cap. 96 criminalizes sending “unsolicited information” online, punishable by up to seven years in prison. This provision is unconstitutional for being vague, overbroad and repressive. Most communications, including all social media posts, journalistic inquiries and publications, and advocacy messages, are often “unsolicited.” In 2022, working in partnership with 13 other defenders of digital freedoms, we filed Constitutional Petition No. 37 in the Constitutional Court to challenge the offense and other provisions of that law for being inconsistent and in contravention with several Articles of the 1995 Constitution. The hearing was concluded. Judgment is set to be delivered on a date to be fixed by the Court. Human rights standards under the 1995 Constitution and the ICCPR require speech restrictions to be clear, pursue a legitimate aim, and be necessary and proportionate, which this offense fails to meet. The severe penalties and unclear scope create a chilling effect on journalists, activists, and ordinary users, especially when speaking about public officials. By making “unsolicited” communication the default offense and “public interest” a narrow and discretionary exception, the law undermines the rights to both impart and receive information and weakens democratic debate in Uganda. We hope the Constitutional Court will deliver its judgment soon to end enforcement of such unconstitutional provisions.

The abduction and continued incommunicado detention of Rev. Fr. Deusdedit Ssekabira of Masaka Diocese is a clear violation of Uganda’s constitutional and legal safeguards on arrest and detention, Chapter Four Uganda said today. See our statement for more. chapterfouruganda.org/statem…

“We continue to see individuals incarcerated for offences such as ‘common nuisance’ or detained for civil debts—situations that do not warrant deprivation of liberty,” @ByansiHenry noted. See article for details. @WakisoHuman @kasiryeElly #Uganda chapterfouruganda.org/calls-…

Joint Statement: Chapter Four Uganda and the @Kacsoa_ condemn the cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment of over 300 displaced residents from Bukwo and Kween Districts at the Kabelyo Holding Camp by @ugwildlife rangers, call for accountability. #HumanDignity | #Uganda chapterfouruganda.org/joint-…

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.

Heartfelt congratulations to our partner, @DefendDefenders, on celebrating 20 incredible years of protecting, promoting and strengthening the work of human rights defenders in Uganda—and the East and Horn of Africa. Your dedication and commitment to standing with human rights defenders and organisations that are most-at-risk, often in risky situations, has made a profound impact—and continues to serve as a beacon of hope. Here's to many more years of courage, conviction, and unwavering dedication to the noble cause of human rights. We look forward to continue working closely to face the challenges that prevail today. @Hassan_shire @MemoryBandera @Maina_Kiai @cvoule @MaryLawlorhrds @ryotajonen @AfricaDefenders

Press Statement: When journalists are targeted, our democratic progress is weakened. Voices are silenced. On this International Day to #EndImpunity for Crimes against Journalists, we reaffirm our commitment to defend journalists & other media workers. chapterfouruganda.org/statem…

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.

Press Statement: Chapter Four Uganda stands with @NationMediaGrp Uganda. We urge the @Parliament_Ug and the Presidency to unconditionally end the arbitrary, unlawful ban placed on @ntvuganda @DailyMonitor @sparktvuganda @933kfm journalists. #PressFreedom | #Uganda chapterfouruganda.org/govern…

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