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April 1, 2025
Dear Human
Rights Defenders, Actors and Partners in the Promotion and Protection of Human
rights;
A Happy New Month!
Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) extends warm New month greetings and welcomes you to this Quarterly Human Rights Situation Review and Analysis. We trust that the past quarter concluded positively for you, and as we embark on this pivotal election year, we look forward to collective engagement in fostering inclusive participation, democratic accountability, good governance, and the rule of law.
In this
edition, LOSCO presents key highlights from the previous quarter, focusing on
the evolving human rights landscape, emerging challenges, and the environment
in which human rights defenders operate in Uganda. We sincerely appreciate your
continued interest and commitment, and we invite you to reflect on how you can
contribute—at sub-national, national, regional, and global levels—to the
promotion and protection of human rights, governance, and the rule of law.
Below are
some of the highlighted issues:
Security Guard Shoots Herdsman Dead in Rukiga
Police in
Rukiga District arrested a 21-year-old security guard attached to Safe Tech
Security Company for allegedly shooting and killing a 22-year-old herdsman.
The suspect,
identified as Musinguzi Silas, is accused of fatally shooting Nabimanya
Kendrick, a resident of Kigara B Cell in Kigara Parish, Kamwezi Sub-county. At
the time of the incident, Musinguzi was stationed as a guard at the Rukiga
SACCO, Kamwezi branch. The deceased, along with a fellow herdsman only
identified as Alias Owamahoro, was tending cattle along the Muhanga–Kamwezi
road when the suspect, armed with a gun, passed by with a woman as they walked
toward Muhanga.
Police
reports indicate that Kendrick followed the pair, allegedly trying to identify
the woman accompanying the guard. Musinguzi, reportedly provoked by Kendrick’s
actions, turned back and shot him, killing him on the spot.
https://thesource.co.ug/crime/security-guard-shoots-herdsman-dead-in-rukiga/
Bishop Rubaramira Confirms 16 inmates into
Catholic Faith in Kabale
The Bishop
of Kabale Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira confirmed 16 inmates into
the Catholic faith during a Mass at Ndorwa Government Prison in Kabale
Municipality.
During his
homily, Bishop Rubaramira urged the newly confirmed inmates to remain steadfast
in their faith, drawing hope and strength from God as they navigate their
challenging circumstances. This is to enhance the promotion and protection of
the right to worship.
MEETING WITH THE UHRC: LOSCO in a way of giving accountability we had to
pay a courtesy visit at the UHRC Regional Office headed by Ms. Theopista Twembi
to share LOSCO Program Report, the Strategic plan and also share some IEC
materials whereby as partners, we take the initiative to share the experience and
knowledge on the best practices. We are focusing on stretching our engagement
catchment to include the UPDF added to the Police, Prisons, Probation and UHRC.
Among
the issues that came up was the UHRC App and how through partnership and
collaboration can be popularized to create more impact and advance the
promotion and protection of Human Rights.These can be through different fora to
make it known and since CSOs reach out farther and wider, this can be done. We
have to consistently drive this to a very stable end because LOSCO is a key
partner in the region when it comes to Human Rights and Governance because the
integration of Human Rights in all aspects of Governance and Accountability
cannot be over emphasized. This is a very good complementary aspect since
through the National Coalition for Human Rights Uganda we have some referral
and reporting mechanisms.
Land Wrangles Spark Uproar in Kisoro as Locals
Accuse Man of Grabbing Widow’s Property
There are tensions
in Nyundo Parish, Nyundo Sub-county, Kisoro District, as residents protested
against a self-proclaimed legal practitioner, Mukundufite Evarist Sebisaho,
whom they accuse of rampant land grabbing.
Frustrated
locals issued warnings of possible mob justice if the matter is not addressed
swiftly.
The latest
uproar follows allegations that Sebisaho forcibly took over five plots of land
belonging to his sister-in-law, Feredianah Tumusiime, an elderly widow from
Buzaniro Village who has been caring for eight orphaned children since the
death of her husband, Kalaveri Bataringaya, in 2022.
Residents
allege that Sebisaho has been involved in multiple land grabs across Nyundo
Sub-county, targeting both private and public properties. They caution that
continued inaction may lead to unrest, with some threatening to take the law
into their own hands.
Man Killed by Falling Debris at Kisoro Sand Quarry
A
25-year-old man tragically lost his life after being buried by falling debris
while mining sand at the Kabeshero sand mine in Gakoro Village, Rwingwe Parish,
Nyakabande Sub County, Kisoro District.
The deceased
was identified as Ozius Niyonsaba, a peasant and resident of the same village.
The incident reportedly was reported to Kisoro Central Police Station by
Michael Rwerekana, the Local Council One Chairperson of Gakoro Village.
According to
police reports, Niyonsaba had earlier attended morning prayers at Gakoro
Catholic Church with his wife, Rosette, and his mother, Gertrude Mukankusi.
https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/man-killed-by-falling-debris-at-kisoro-sand-quarry/
Kisoro Woman Arrested for Allegedly Killing Own
Child by Drowning in Water Tank.
Police in
Kisoro District arrested a 25-year-old woman accused of murdering her own
daughter by allegedly drowning her in a neighbor’s water tank.
The suspect,
Ruhangariyo Jacklyn, a resident of Mulindi Village in Muhindura Parish, Kanaba
Sub-county, was arrested on Friday morning, April 11, 2025, after the body of
her 2-year-8-month-old daughter, Irasubiza Salvation, was recovered from a
water tank in their neighborhood.
According to
Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate, the tragic incident occurred
in the early hours of Friday morning, while the children were left under the
care of their grandfather, Kubwimana Herbert.
Upon hearing
this, the grandfather raised an alarm that drew the attention of residents.
DNMCs GET ACTIVATED AND EMPOWERED TO EXECUTE THEIR
ROLES IN THE REGION
The Human
Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU), in partnership with The Uganda National NGO Bureau
and Uganda National NGO Forum (UNNGOF) with support from the Embassy of Ireland
in Uganda, are implementing a project entitled “Enhancing a Sustainable relationship
between the National Bureau for NGOs and the Civil Society Sector in Uganda
through Dialogue.” The project is being implemented in the 7 districts of Arua,
Lira, Moroto, Gulu, Soroti, Kabale and Mbale.
The primary
beneficiaries of this program are the District/City/Sub County NGO Monitoring Committees,
the National Bureau for NGOs, NGOs, Government Ministries, Departments and
Agencies, Security agencies and communities. This project seeks to:
(i). Operationalise
section 5(f) of the NGO Act Cap 109;
(ii).
Establish a platform for sustained dialogue between the civil society sector
and government through the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
(iii).
Improve the understanding of NGOs regulatory framework through capacity
building of
NGO monitoring committees and NGOs.
The 1995
Constitution of Uganda guarantees the right of every Ugandan to engage in peaceful
activities to influence the policies of Government through civic organizations.
The Government of Uganda recognizes the important role of non-State actors in
accelerating the country’s development process and complementing the different
Government programmes.
The
contribution of NGOs in the areas of service delivery, advocacy, democracy and
good governance as well as community empowerment has been commendable in Uganda
over the years. However, the process of NGO sector development, methods of work
and the impact of NGO program activities, among other issues, have continued to
generate varied and sometimes contradictory views and experiences.
The
enactment of the NGO Act Cap 109, the NGO Regulations 2017 and the NGO Policy
is legitimate and necessary in our growing democratic society. The challenge,
however, is the implementation by both, the duty bearers (Government line
Ministry, Department and Agencies) and NGO leaders who have not fully
appreciated their responsibilities and obligations under this legal framework.
Empowering Citizens: Majambere's Plea for
Increased Voter Engagement
Celebrated
Legal Drafter and Counsel Esther Majambere sounded the alarm on Uganda’s
declining voter turnout, urging the Electoral Commission and stakeholders to
intensify voter education campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Majambere,
also a Kanungu District Woman MP aspirant, expressed concern over the steady
decline in voter participation, citing statistics that show a drop from 72.9%
in 1996 to 57% in 2021.
She
attributed low participation to voter fatigue and growing disillusionment among
the electorate, in addition to discouraging statements like “whether you vote
or not, a candidate will win,” which she stated damages people’s perception
that their vote doesn’t matter.
The aspiring
legislator added that many voters focus solely on casting votes for presidency
and MP seats, ignoring local government elections due to a lack of
understanding of the magnitude these levels of seats hold.
https://westernpearlreports.com/empowering-citizens-majamberes-plea-for-increased-voter-engagement/
PARTNERSHIP WITH DEFEND DEFENDERS TAKES ROOT
A courtesy
visit by our great Partners Defend Defenders to discuss area of capacity
enhancement on Human Rights Monitoring, Reporting and Documentation and how
Digital transformation will enable the safety and security of HRDs in Human
Rights Work in Kigezi sub Region. Thanks to the team led by @Janvier, @julian,
@emma.
Mob Burns Suspect’s Home and Plantation After
Murder in Rukiga
An angry mob
set fire to a house and destroyed a banana plantation belonging to Denis
Tumwijukye, whom they suspect of murdering a man in Kabishaka Village,
Nyakashebeya Parish, Kashambya Sub-county, Rukiga District.
The mob
accused Tumwijukye of killing Atwebembere Christopher, also known as Sadam, a
resident of the same area who was murdered on April 15, 2025.
Following
the incident, Tumwijukye and three others identified as Nasasira Danson,
Mwesigwa Alyson, and Turyasima Denis were arrested by police in connection with
Atwebembere’s death.
During a
search of Tumwijukye’s house, opened by his mother, two plastic chairs with
bloodstains were recovered.
KABALE RDC Stops all Land surveying activities
The Kabale
RDC Mr. Godfrey Nyakahuma stopped acts of unlawful land surveys and making
roads in people’s crop gardens in Buhara sub county which has more iron ore
mining fields.
The directive
came after May 20 petition to his Office from about 100 local residents in
Kijonjo B and Kyase villages in Buhara Sub county that complained about
unlawful surveys, intimidation, forces eviction and selling of their land by
the employees of Sino minerals investment co. ltd.
Sino
minerals investment co. ltd is executing the establishment of a USD 34 million
iron ore processing factory in the iron ore rich Buhara sub county of Kabale
District where they claimed to have secured about 75 acres of land for smooth
operations and a total of over 1,000 people will be directly employed.
SARAH NAHUMIZA DIRECTOR REGIONAL SERVICES PAYS A
COURTSEY VISIT TO LOSCO
Appreciated
LOSCO and the CSOs for the mileage given to the Commission and the
complementary approach in UHRC interventions in Civic Engagements.
In the
discussion was to better understand the Methodologies – What has worked and
what needs to be done, Community approach (Dialogues, Stakeholder Meetings), Stakeholder
Engagement (Always with different stakeholders for capacity enhancement), HR
Handling – Swift and feedback shared, sharing Quarterly Reports, Annual Reports
and Memos/Press Releases. (Tripartite Engagement with UHRC, Police, LOSCO) and Media
approach (Radio talk shows)
As a way to impact communities the Human
Rights App has to be given some more sensitization for effective use for far
wide impact.
Also to
establish the Entry Points for community engagements from LOSCO and Sister
Agencies, Strengthening Citizen Engagement and Public accountability and engaging
communities anchored on HRBA
How can the Commission work together to support
the process?
Should be
doing civic Education on a regular basis with Human Rights mass awareness much
needed.
There is
much need for the commission to be enabled better and hope that all aspect of
their mandate is executed. Since DGF ceased, the funding has been greatly
challenged.
AND MORE
IMPORTANTLY, Address the issue of Alcoholism is disintegrating the communities
and the issue of Religious divisions in politics.
Residents Protest Poor Services and Abandoned
Projects in Rukiga District
Residents of
Rukiga District are up in arms over poor service delivery and the abandonment
of key government programs, saying they feel betrayed by the promises made when
the district was carved out of Kabale in 2017.
Locals say
they expected improved services and better governance after gaining independent
district status, but these hopes have yet to materialize.
Gideon
Bandebaho Tumwijukye, an aspirant for the Kashyambya Sub-county district
councilor seat, cited the abandoned Kantare–Rushekyera–Nyarubisi road.
Constructed under the Agriculture Cluster Development Project after the
COVID-19 lockdown, the road was only completed up to Rushekyera, leaving the
Nyarubisi section untouched. Bandebaho said the incomplete road has severely
affected transport between villages and business centers, especially during the
rainy season, hindering farmers from accessing markets.
Stakeholders in Kabale Decry Growing Religious
Sectarianism in Politics
Stakeholders
in Kabale District raised concerns over the rising tide of religious politics,
warning that it may fuel division among residents and undermine effective
service delivery.
The concerns
were raised during a district stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Local
Sustainable Communities Organization (LOSCO), in partnership with the Uganda
NGO Forum, held on Thursday at Kirigime Guest House in Kabale Municipality. The
dialogue focused on human rights advocacy and economic empowerment for
vulnerable communities.
“We risk
returning to the divisive days of Idi Amin. As citizens, Article 38 of the
Constitution mandates us to participate in governance. We must fight religious
divisionism; it’s pulling us backward.” LOSCO Executive Director, Mr Albert
Taremwa, said.
Rubanda Stakeholders Advocate for Mentorship
Programs in School
Authorities in
Rubanda district are advocating for enhanced for enhanced sensitization and
mentorship programs in schools to combat the rising issues of student dropout
and sexual harassment. They made the appeal during a one day stakeholders
meeting held at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda District.
The engagement was aimed
at validating the findings from citizen’s engagement under the Strengthening
Citizens’ Participation and Public Accountability (SCEPA) project that was organized
by Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) in partnership with
Uganda National NGO Forum supported by the Embassies of Denmark, Netherlands,
Ireland and Sweden.
Religion’s Growing Influence in Politics in Kigezi
is a Human Rights concern as Actors Raise Alarm Over
Human Rights
Actors from across the Kigezi Sub-region expressed deep concern over the increasing
infiltration of religion into local electoral politics, warning that the trend
threatens democratic values and inclusive governance.
This was
during a one-day dialogue held at Kirigime Guest House in Kabale Municipality,
organized by the Local Sustainable Communities Organization (LOSCO). The event
brought together key human rights advocates, security officials, and
representatives from civil society organizations under the framework of the
Strengthening Citizen Engagement and Public Accountability (SCEPA) project—a
four-year initiative implemented in collaboration with the Uganda National NGO
Forum and supported by the Royal Danish Embassy.
Kigezi
Region Police Spokesperson ASP Elly Maate urged the public to reject the
growing practice of religious interference in politics, cautioning that some
churches are increasingly prioritizing political platforms over their spiritual
mission.
Address the Discrimination of Learners with
special needs in Schools
The Call was
made by stakeholders from The Uganda Police Force, Local Sustainable
Communities Organisation, LOSCO, Health Workers and Educationists gathered at
Kirigime Guest House in Kirigime Ward Southern Division Kabale Municipality
Kabale District during a half day Workshop organized by LOSCO Uganda.
Discrimination
of Learners with special needs in Schools has been greatly attributed to
Teachers who dodge their responsibility of focusing on these learners as per
their Professional training, because they do not only need attention in class
but also other necessities such as learning materials such as walking sticks
for the visually impaired, special Latrines and toilets. In Kabale, Rukiga and
Rubanda districts we have such school that is Hornby High School in Kabale and
Kitanga Primary School in Rukiga.
Kabale Man Found Murdered with Neck Stab Wound
Police in
Kabale District have launched investigations into the mysterious death of
30-year-old Mugisha Remegio, also known as Katoote, a resident of Nyakatojo
Cell, Kanjobe Parish in Kyanamira Sub County.
Mugisha’s
lifeless body was discovered lying by the roadside along the route to Burambira
in Kaharo Sub County, with a deep stab wound on the neck, suggesting he was
murdered.
Police
officers visited, documented, and processed the crime scene before transferring
the body to Kabale Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examination.
https://thesource.co.ug/crime/kabale-man-found-murdered-with-neck-stab-wound/
Kyanamira Reels After Gruesome Murder of Local Man
Residents of
Kyanamira Sub-County were thrown into shock after the discovery of a brutally
murdered 30-year-old man along the Burambira-Kaharo road.
The victim,
identified as Mugisha Remegio alias Katoote from Nyakatojo Cell, Kanjobe
Parish, was found with a deep stab wound to the neck, lying in a pool of blood
in what appears to have been a targeted attack.
The fatal
neck wound suggests a deliberate killing, prompting local leaders led by
Chairperson Bakesigaki Alex to immediately report the incident to Kyanamira
Police Station. Police responded swiftly to the scene.
https://westernpearlreports.com/throat-slashed-kyanamira-reels-after-gruesome-murder-of-local-man/
Police Arrest Two Suspects Over Assault and
Defacement of Campaign Posters in Rubanda.
The
territorial police in Rubanda District arrested two suspects in connection with
allegations of assault and defacement of campaign posters belonging to Hon.
Minister Henry Musasizi.
According to
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, the suspects—Ndamwesiga
Bruno and Ainebyona Isaac, both residents of Kabugu Village, Bushura Parish in
Hamuhambo Town Council—were arrested following separate incidents that occurred
on June 29, 2025, at around 12:00 AM, and July 5, 2025, at approximately 3:00
PM.
The victim,
Danavence Tumwebaze, a 68-year-old agent of Hon. Musasizi, reported that on
July 5, suspect Ainebyona, also known as Yine, forcibly entered her home,
removed a campaign poster of the minister from the wall, tore it apart, and
went further to break a plate on her table. Before leaving, he allegedly
assaulted her by kicking her.
The suspects
were apprehended in a police operation led by Rubanda District Police Commander
(DPC), Barugahare Abel Kyooto. They are currently in custody as investigations
continue and will be presented to court accordingly.
Gruesome Murder Shocks Rukungiri: Elderly Man
Slain for Half-Sack of Coffee
Rukungiri
Police launched a manhunt for unidentified assailants who murdered a
79-year-old man in Rukungiri and made away with half a sack of coffee.
The deceased
has been identified as Benard Biryomumisho of Kasharara Village, Ibanda Parish,
Nyarushanje Sub-County, Rubabo County. His body was discovered in his home on
Monday, July 7, 2025.
Reports
indicate the deceased was last seen alive on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at around
4:00 PM at Nyarushanje Trading Center, where he was seen heading home. Later
that night, he retired to his house, where he lived alone.
It is
alleged that unknown assailants forcibly entered the house through the door,
proceeded to the bedroom, and attacked Biryomumisho, inflicting multiple deep
cuts on his head that resulted in his instant death.
The grim
discovery was made at approximately 3:30 PM on Monday when the victim’s son,
Ndyareba Boneventure, went to check on his father and, upon pushing open the
door, found Biryomumisho lying dead in his bedroom.
Heightened Security in Hamuhambo Following Arrests
Linked to Attack on Minister Musasizi's Convoy.
Police heightened
security in Hamuhambo Town Council, Rubanda District, following the arrest of
four individuals accused of stoning and damaging the vehicle of State Minister
for Finance, Henry Musasizi.
The
suspects—Kenneth Owoyesiga, Apollo Tumusingyize (alias Map), Bruno Ndamwesiga,
and Isaac Ainebyoona—are all residents of Hamuhambo Town Council. Several
others, identified only by their first names—Callist, Joshua, Rogers, Pulika,
Ambrose, and Yuni—are currently wanted by police.
The group is
alleged to have hurled stones at Musasizi’s convoy as it departed the area,
smashing the windows of his vehicle.
In addition
to vandalizing the minister’s vehicle on Thursday evening, the suspects are
also accused of assaulting Musasizi’s agent, 68-year-old Danavence Tumwebaze, a
resident of Bushura Parish.
Musasizi,
the incumbent Rubanda East MP, had been campaigning for a fourth term,
accompanied by Rubanda District LC V Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, who
is also seeking re-election. During the rally, Musasizi warned that anyone
harassing or assaulting his supporters would be “firmly dealt with,” asserting that
he is now “very strong and capable of doing anything.”
Conclusion
The findings of this human rights situational analysis and monitoring underscore persistent challenges and emerging concerns affecting the protection and promotion of human rights in Kigezi – South Western Uganda. While there have been notable efforts by state and non-state actors to uphold fundamental freedoms, gaps remain in the enforcement of legal protections, access to justice, civic space, and the safety of human rights defenders.
This report highlights that systemic issues—such as limited accountability, political interference, shrinking civic space, and socio-economic disparities—continue to undermine the realization of rights for vulnerable and marginalized groups. Environmental and digital rights are also emerging areas requiring urgent attention.
To advance human rights, there is a critical need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society organizations, development partners, and communities. LOSCO has always endeavored and continued monitoring, responsive policy reforms, increased civic engagement, and targeted support for human rights defenders are essential steps toward creating a more just, inclusive, and accountable society.
Sustained
action, grounded in human rights principles and inclusive dialogue, remains
vital for safeguarding human dignity and ensuring no one is left behind.
WISH YOU THE BEST IN THE UPCOMING
QUARTER!!
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