‘Women of Uganda’ Demand Accountability, End to Human Rights Abuses, and Action Against Corruption

This statement follows the Anti-Corruption March to Parliament, which began on July 23, 2024. Signed by Magret Ssentamu, Executive Director of the Uganda Women’s Media Association, the statement emphasizes that the battle against corruption should not be perceived as a fight against the state, but rather as a push for accountability from leaders.

“We stand firmly with the young citizens who have demonstrated courage both online and offline in their efforts to combat corruption,” Ssentemu declared. “Our concern is deeply rooted in the government’s response to these citizens exercising their civic duties. Uganda, as a signatory to various national, regional, and international instruments, has clear obligations to uphold freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.”

She stressed that the young protesters were exercising their constitutional rights under National Objective XXVI (III) of the Constitution of Uganda, which mandates all lawful measures to expose, combat, and eradicate corruption and misuse of power by public officials.

Ssentemu highlighted the daily impact of corruption on Ugandans, including preventable deaths due to inadequate healthcare, substandard educational infrastructure, and deteriorating roads. “Corruption affects every Ugandan, regardless of their demographic or socioeconomic status,” she said. “The stagnation of Uganda’s development due to impunity and the misuse of public funds must be addressed.”

In light of the President’s recent declaration of a “war on corruption,” Ssentemu called for concrete actions to support this commitment. She demanded the immediate release of detained protesters, emphasizing that all young citizens arbitrarily arrested and remanded must be released without delay.

“The government should reaffirm its commitment to protecting freedom of expression, speech, assembly, and association, in line with national, regional, and international obligations. The government must assure Ugandans and the international community of its capacity and commitment to uphold these rights, providing security to citizens while they exercise their rights without compromising them,” she said.

Ssentemu also urged law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and courts, to uphold the law in their enforcement efforts. She condemned the images of security officers assaulting young citizens and arbitrary judicial actions as detrimental to the country’s global image. She criticized the use of flimsy charges like “idle and disorderly” and “public nuisance,” which have no place in the modern justice system.

Additionally, she called on the President to address reports alleging that young people arrested were sexually assaulted. “The Criminal Investigations Department should investigate and address reports of sexual abuse of young citizens while in custody. Ugandans need assurance that they are safe before law enforcement institutions, and the actions taken against perpetrators should be communicated to the public.”

She also urged the President and Parliament to demonstrate their commitment to combating corruption and addressing concerns about the misuse of public resources.