CIVICUS and the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative Uganda (FHRI) ,welcome the adoption of the UPR report on Uganda and express their appreciation to the government of Uganda for collaborating in the process.
UPR We also wish to thank the government of Uganda for creating structures and committees to assist with the implementation of the recommendations it accepted during its review. It is important now for the government to work closely with civil society and other stakeholders for the implementation and monitoring of the recommendations. Recommendations cannot be successfully implemented if the space for civil society is constrained.
We wish to express concerns over the attacks on independent media and journalists and the restrictions placed on the freedom of expression. These attacks and restrictions range from the closing of independent radio stations and arrests of journalists while on air for simply hosting members of political opposition parties.
We express concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression during periods of elections, the physical assault on journalists and threats to those who cover the activities opposition political parties.
Mr. President we are concerned about the recent attacks on freedom of association exemplified by break-ins into the premises of civil society organisations with deadly consequences in a few cases. The lack of an adequate response to these attacks from the authorities and the police and the failure to bring the perpetrators to justice creates an environment of fear and intimidation for representatives of civil society.
We are concerned that recommendations to amend, repeal or improve such legislation including the sections of the Non-Governmental Organisations of 2016 and the Public Order Management Act of 2013 did not get the full support of the government of Uganda.
We call on the government of Uganda to work closely with civil society and other stakeholders to fully implement recommendations accepted during its latest review and create an enabling environment where citizens can enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or intimidation.