At the 85th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held in Banjul, The Gambia, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) raised concern over the shrinking civic space and the growing repression faced by women human rights defenders in Uganda.
Through a panel discussion on “Civic Space Under Threat” and an oral statement delivered to the Commission, WHRDN-U shared firsthand testimonies showing how women defenders across the country—journalists, lawyers, environmental activists, and community organizers—are being silenced for speaking truth to power and demanding accountability.
During the panel discussion, WHRDN-U highlighted that governments, security agencies, and corporations, as well as certain community actors, are using criminalization, surveillance, intimidation, and public shaming to suppress women who defend human rights. Anti-gender movements have intensified these attacks, seeking to erase feminist voices and delegitimize the struggle for gender equality.
Examples shared included women who have been arrested for documenting corruption, environmental activists humiliated for protesting forced evictions, and human rights defenders threatened online or censored for their advocacy. Others have been targeted under discriminatory laws, accused of promoting ideas contrary to traditional norms, or punished for providing support to vulnerable groups.
As Uganda moves toward another election cycle, women defenders continue to face heightened state harassment. Female journalists report censorship, lawyers representing detainees are followed and threatened, and activists documenting abuses are accused of being politically motivated. In northern Uganda, women organizing peace dialogues have faced intimidationnder new security laws that allow military courts to try civilians.
The oral statement delivered by WHRDN-U to the African Commission emphasized that between 2020 and 2024, the network verified over 260 attacks against women defenders in Uganda, including arbitrary arrests, online harassment, sexualized violence, and public defamation. These are not isolated incidents but a systemic effort to silence women’s participation in public life and close civic space.
WHRDN-U called upon the African Commission to urge the Government of Uganda to recognize and protect women human rights defenders as essential actors in democracy and peacebuilding, to end the criminalization of legitimate advocacy, and to safeguard freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The organization further called for the adoption of a gender-responsive Human Rights Defenders Bill aligned with international standards, a comprehensive study on the situation of WHRDs across Africa, and the implementation of holistic, feminist protection measures that ensure safety, psychosocial well-being, and freedom from reprisals.
In both interventions, WHRDN-U stressed that the struggle of women defenders is not only about individual safety but about the future of civic life and democracy in Uganda. When women defenders are silenced, entire communities lose their voice. When they are protected, democracy and justice thrive.
Despite growing risks, women defenders across Uganda continue to organize, educate, and protect others. Their resilience is a reminder that protecting women defenders is not an act of charity, it is an act of justice and a moral imperative for governments and society at large.
@WHRDNU joined the 85th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR: (1) Panel on the state of WHRDs (2) Oral statement on Ugandan WHRDs under Item 7. Gratitude to Hon. Janat Sallah Njie (SR on Women’s Rights) & Hon. Remy Ngoy Lumbu (SR on HRDs in Africa) for their support. pic.twitter.com/ivYHi6x0jj
— Women Human Rights Defenders Network- Uganda (@WHRDNU) October 23, 2025
Warm greetings from the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U)!
We are pleased to share with you (a) the key highlights from our activities and achievements during the second quarter of 2025 (July to September). We share the contex of crisis in Uganda between January and September 2025 and (b). We also take this opportunity to reflect on the current situation in which Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) continue to operate in Uganda. Your continued solidarity and support have enabled us to make progress in creating safe spaces, amplifying voices, building capacity, and promoting the protection of WHRDs across the country.
WHRDN-U in Action: July to September 2025
Amid national situation, the third quarter of 2025, Our network sustained vital work in protection, advocacy, and movement-building thereby centering defenders’ safety and strengthening collective resilience.
July: Grounded in Action and Governance
Albertine Region WHRDs Engage the Equal Opportunities Commission WHRDs from the Albertine region held a dialogue with the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), presenting evidence of discrimination and advocating for inclusive government policies that address gender and regional disparities. https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1940455930124292360
Batwa Women Lead Environmental Justice in Bundibugyo. Indigenous Batwa women defenders mobilized their community for a clean-up campaign, collecting plastics and raising awareness on environmental conservation as part of preserving their heritage and land rights. https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1940862323759239659.
September — Amplifying Voices, Building Resilience and Solidarity
Regional Engagement and Cross-Border Solidarity WHRDN-U contributed to regional feminist dialogues, reinforcing partnerships across East Africa on the theme ‘Defending Democracy and Safety in Times of Repression.
Community-Level Protection Strategies. Local WHRD clusters expanded peer support circles, deepening awareness on digital security, legal risk mapping, and safe reporting mechanisms.
National Forum for Women Human Rights Defenders at Esella Country Hotel. On 29/08/25, from every region of Uganda, women human rights defenders gathered Esella country Hotel, for a national forum, reflecting on digital threats, shrinking funding, trauma & gendered attacks.https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1961791097853595680
Annual Convening for the Consortium of WHRDs Protection Network for Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Annual Convening in Nairobi bringing together the consortium of WHRDs protection Network from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1970668189072646208
WHRDNU attended a live pod cast on the International Day for Democracy at the Swedish Embassy. On 16th September WHRDN-U participated in a live podcast on the International Day of Democracy hosted by Embassy of Sweden in Kampala and Grab A Coffee pod, with media practitioners, scholars, CSOs and Development Partners. https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1967949390783582609
Meeting with the Swedish Embassy Kampala and Civil Rights Defenders team from Stockholm WHRDNU`s meeting with the Swedish Embassy in Kampala and Civil Rights Defenders team from Stockholm in solidarity with human rights defenders and civil society actors in Uganda. https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1971198067169952207
Quarter o3 (August- September): Cases reported & Documented for Evidence, Advocacy, and Collective Care
We are pleased to share with you the highlights from our Quarter 03 Case Registry Report, reflecting the resilience, challenges, and progress of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) across Uganda. This quarter’s data offers critical insights into the nature of violations, the scope of activism, and the support mechanisms mobilized through our network. Interms of caseoverview we documented a total of 15 cases (Individual WHRDs: 14 and Group WHRDs: 1). We provided support to all 15 WHRDs received psychosocial support, security tips, and solidarity visits.
The following tables below illustrates the nature of violations, the scope of activism, and the support mechanisms mobilized through our network.
Nature of Activism Targeted The most affected areas of human rights include:
Type of Activism
Cases Reported
Gender-Based Violence GBV)
4
Enviromental Rights
3
Child Rights
2
Other Areas (eg land, indegenous,Economic rights)
1 each
The prominence of GBV activism highlights both the courage of defenders and the risks they face in patriachal settings
Violations Faced
Type of Violation
Cases
Threats, Surveillance, Intimidation
6
Slander,Smear Campaigns, Assault
Moderate
Death Threats,Hate Speech,Arrests
Low
These violations span physical , emotional , and reputational jarm, undersoring the multifaceted risks WHRDs endure.
Perpetrator Categories
Perpetrator Type
Cases
Community Members
4
Government Actors
Moderate
Family Members
Low
Community -liked threats remain the most reported , while state involvement continues to raise serious concerns about misuse of authority.
Recommendatons:
(b ) The contex of crisis in Uganda bwtween January and September 2025
Uganda is currently experiencing a significant deterioration in human rights, characterized by increasing repression of dissent, shrinking civic space, and state-sanctioned impunity (WHRDN-U Jan–Mar 2025, WHRDN-U Jan–Jun 2025). Against this backdrop, Uganda’s human rights climate remained restrictive in the first half of 2025, with authorities targeting critics, environmental activists, and political opponents through arrests, intimidation, and legal measures that shrink civic space (HRW, Freedom House). In the LGBTQ+ sphere, the 2023 Anti-Homosexuality Act (AHA) still imposes severe penalties despite court interventions; while judges struck certain provisions in 2024 and affirmed that people cannot be denied medical care because of sexual orientation, most of the law remains in force and abuses have escalated, as documented in May 2025 by Human Rights Watch (HRW, AP News, Freedom House; see also The Guardian).
As the January 2026 general elections approach, press freedom groups reported a “troubling crackdown” on journalists covering a March 2025 Kampala by-election, spanning assaults, detentions, equipment seizures, and broadcast suspensions across multiple outlets (CPJ). Parliament also advanced, and on June 16, 2025 the president signed legislation allowing military courts to try civilians, despite UN warnings in May that the bill is incompatible with international law (UN/OHCHR, Reuters; see also HRW). These measures signal the broader militarization of governance and politicization of institutions, with WHRDs often labelled “oppositional” during electoral periods and exposed to harassment, raids, threats, police summons, and arbitrary detention, undermining civic education and election monitoring (WHRDN-U Jan–Mar 2025, WHRDN-U Jan–Jun 2025, Chapter Four-students protest).
Civic space is tightening under a dense thicket of laws and arbitrary enforcement: the NGO Registration framework facilitates suspensions and funding blocks; the Anti-Terrorism Act (2015) is used to intimidate HRDs around funding; and statutes like the Public Order Management Act, Computer Misuse Act, and Anti-Pornography Act criminalize protest, speech, and digital activism. The anti-gender movement’s narratives have translated into policy, most visibly the AHA, fueling stigma, cutting funding, and catalyzing violence against those working on gender, sexuality, or equality (HRW World Report-Uganda, Freedom House, HRW-AHA abuses). These dynamics have also produced diplomatic frictions, as authorities accused Western diplomats of “subversion,” drawing denials from Germany and broader concern about democratic backsliding (AP News, DW, BBC).
Environmental rights defenders opposing the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) faced continued harassment and arbitrary arrests. In April, police detained 11 StopEACOP activists during a peaceful action in Kampala, and rights groups documented broader patterns of arrests and judicial harassment against green activists into June (BankTrack, FIDH/OMCT). Reporting in March and April also underscored inadequate compensation and displacement linked to the oil project, and the mounting risks for communities and protest leaders (Washington Post, The Guardian). Beyond EACOP, land and resource conflicts, such as militarized evictions, have amplified danger for women land and environmental defenders; security-force responses have included raids, arrests, and gendered violence, exemplified by the public humiliation of a female police commander ordered to undress (Observer, WPI, Daily Monitor-women & climate).
Economic pressures further weaken civil society: grant closures, intensified scrutiny, and funding restrictions limit WHRDs’ operational capacity, leaving defenders under-resourced to navigate legal-bureaucratic risks and more vulnerable to state and non-state attacks (WHRDN-U Jan–Mar 2025, Independent-EU concern, US CRS). The directive of President Donald Trump to halt the USAID funding has affected the work of women human rights defenders in Uganda, especially those focused on health issues; some U.S. conservative groups are pushing African countries to follow stricter rules on sexual and reproductive health. As a result, some women’s health programs have been cut, with local projects supporting abortion rights, maternal care, and LGBTQ+ health closing and activists facing heightened threats and public attacks, forcing many to scale back for safety and lack of resources.
Social drivers compound risk: entrenched patriarchal norms, policing of women’s bodies, and stigmatization of LGBTIQ+ communities create layered vulnerabilities for Indigenous women, young feminists, and defenders with disabilities. Gendered attacks and public shaming, including the case above, illustrate pervasive threats even within institutions meant to protect; at the same time, youth-led activism and women’s visibility in environmental and civic advocacy are rising, albeit met with intensified repression (Freedom Hive, Observer, Daily Monitor-women & climate, WPI).
A parallel refugee-support crisis compounded vulnerabilities. Uganda, Africa’s largest refugee-hosting country, counted ~1.8–1.9 million refugees by mid-2025, but funding lagged; by April, the inter-agency plan had received just 9% of required Q1 funds, with warnings of service cuts and deteriorating conditions (education, nutrition, protection) for refugee women, children, and LGBTQ+ asylum seekers (UN, UNHCR).
Taken together, the key drivers are consolidation of authoritarian power, militarization of governance, impunity within state institutions, patriarchal norms, and the targeted criminalization of women’s activism, as manifest in civilian prosecutions before military courts, politically motivated cases against opposition leaders, and threats against WHRDs supporting political prisoners (HRW-military trials bill, Observer-opposition bail, Chapter Four-threats, Agora CFR). Peaceful assembly has been criminalized as well, illustrated by the 9 January 2025 arrests of journalist-lawyer Agather Atuhaire and six others during a march to the Supreme Court (Daily Monitor).
Despite relentless pressure, organizing persists. CSOs face surveillance, deregistration threats, and constrained funding, yet grassroots networks, cross-border solidarity, and decentralized organizing are building resilience. With elections ahead, predictable spikes in risk include arbitrary detentions and abductions, fabricated finance-related charges, NGO suspensions, violent crackdowns, disappearances, protest-related deaths, surveillance, office raids, movement restrictions, and weak accountability (WHRDN-U Jan–Mar 2025, WHRDN-U Jan–Jun 2025, Chapter Four-criminalization & delays). WHRDN-U and allied feminist groups have engaged in advocacy and solidarity, through press conferences during the Pan-African Conference on Family Values, joint regional statements, and convenings for structurally marginalized WHRDs, while monitoring threats and offering practical support. The urgent need is for initiatives that strengthen WHRDs’ legal navigation, risk-mitigation and safety planning, advocacy capacity, and solidarity networks so they can continue vital work amid shrinking civic space (WPI presser, WHRDN-U joint statement, WHRDN-U “Breaking Isolation”).
Positive, though limited, developments were also noted: the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) resumed tribunal sessions in February 2025, potentially widening access to remedies for some victims (UHRC annual context). Uganda also continued engagement around its National Action Plan on Business & Human Rights, an existing framework that includes gender-responsive remedies and protections for marginalized groups (UNDP baseline-Uganda NAP). That said, these steps coexist with systemic restrictions and legal changes that heighten risks for minority groups and WHRDs, especially those working on SOGIESC issues, land and environment, and election-related accountability (WHRDN-U Jan–Jun 2025).
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Feminist Protection for 2026 and Beyond
As Uganda approaches the 2026 elections, the safety and participation of women defenders remain critical to democratic resilience. WHRDN-U will continue to:
Expand the reach of its Protection and Rapid Response system;
Deepen partnerships for legal, psychosocial, and advocacy support;
Strengthen regional solidarity and feminist movement-building;
Strengthen protection for WHRDs in GBV and enviromental sectors
OHCHR (UN Human Rights). “Uganda: Türk urges president to reject bill allowing trials of civilians in military courts.” UNTV briefing, May 23, 2025. https://media.un.org/unifeed/en/asset/d340/d3400371 UN Media
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) successfully concluded a three-day residential capacity building workshop that brought together 25 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from Eastern and West Nile regions. The workshop, held at Esella Country Hotel from March 5-7, 2025, focused on improving reporting mechanisms, strengthening evidence-based advocacy, and building stronger alliances among defenders.
Opening Remarks Set the Tone for Solidarity
Executive Director Brenda Kugonza opened the workshop by acknowledging the courageous work of, who advocates for marginalized groups despite facing significant challenges. “We have individuals like her, but we have chosen to render them invisible,” Kugonza noted, emphasizing the need to identify and support active human rights defenders who lack organizational backing.
The opening session also featured powerful testimonies, including Agodo Joroline’s account of being attacked for defending the health rights of sex workers, highlighting the real dangers WHRDs face in their work.
Institutional Engagement: Building Connections with National Protection Mechanisms
Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Partnership
Director Ruth Ssekindi from UHRC provided comprehensive training on engaging with national protection mechanisms. She emphasized fundamental principles: “Human rights are entitlements that every person has by virtue of being human, such as the right to food, life, speech, worship, water, and the right to receive information.”
The session covered UHRC’s mandate, which includes:
Conducting civic education and sensitization
Visiting detention facilities
Receiving and investigating complaints free of charge
Monitoring human rights situations nationwide
Reviewing parliamentary bills for human rights compliance
Importantly, WHRDs learned they can lodge complaints through multiple channels: walk-ins, phone calls, written complaints, and interactions with investigation officers, with all services provided at no cost.
Monica introduced the Equal Opportunities Commission to participants, with Peace Anirwath from EOC presenting her colleagues, including Counsel Miragi Musena, the Acting Head of Legal Department and Investigations, and Ms. Loyo Susan, who handles EOC inquiries.Counsel Musena provided a comprehensive overview of EOC’s mandate, emphasizing its role in eliminating discrimination and inequalities based on sex, age, race, disability, and other grounds. He clarified an important distinction: EOC is a government statutory body, not an NGO.
The session included concrete examples of EOC’s work addressing unequal treatment:
Property discrimination cases
Gender-based inheritance issues
HIV-related employment discrimination
A case involving a young girl with albinism who faced discrimination from a school headteacher
Participants inquired about the difference between UHRC and EOC, Counsel Musena explained that while UHRC handles human rights violations (particularly police brutality cases), EOC specifically focuses on discrimination and unequal treatment issues.
EOC’s comprehensive services include issuing court summons, providing mobile legal clinics in underserved communities, offering alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services, conducting public inquiries, reviewing laws, and making policy recommendations. Counsel Musena also highlighted upcoming mobile legal clinics planned for Mityana and Bulisa districts.
Evidence-Based Advocacy: Understanding the Challenges
The workshop examined WHRDN-U’s comprehensive report documenting attacks on WHRDs from 2020-2024. The findings revealed alarming statistics:
Types of Attacks:
82% faced cyber harassment including hacking and targeted online violence
52% experienced arbitrary arrests in 2020, with 20% in 2024
39% received threats and intimidation
21% encountered gender-based violence and sexual harassment
Perpetrators Identified:
Community members (57%) – residents, business owners, and community leaders
Family members and local leaders (41%)
Government institutions and private corporations (32%)
Security forces (26%)
Participants role play how to engage in policy advocacy
Wellness and Collective Care: Nurturing the Nurturers
Recognizing the emotional toll of human rights work, the workshop included dedicated wellness sessions. Executive Director Kugonza personally acknowledged each defender’s contributions while highlighting their challenges:
Emily Drijaru’s community support work despite facing criticism
Namaganda Lydia’s dedication to supporting HIV-positive mothers amid financial constraints
Maimuna Mami’s resilience after being beaten, arrested, and isolated for supporting marginalized communities
Stella Biryema’s defense of GBV survivors despite personal safety risks
Practical Skills Development
Risk Assessment and Security Planning
Monica led comprehensive security training covering:
Office Security:
Visitor management procedures and identification protocols
Physical security measures including cameras, locks, and lighting
Emergency contact maintenance
Trustworthy personnel hiring practices
Digital Security:
Strong password protocols
Avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive work
Regular file backups
Mobile phone security measures
Policy Advocacy through Role-Playing
Sarah Namogolo facilitated role-playing exercises where WHRDs practiced presenting reports to policymakers. The simulation included testimonies from defenders about online abuse and unfair arrests, with “policymakers” responding with commitments to support and collaboration.
Network Strengthening and Alliance Building
The workshop emphasized alliance-building as crucial for amplifying WHRD voices. Strategies discussed included:
Storytelling: Sharing personal narratives to increase visibility
Social Media Mobilization: Using digital platforms for mutual support
Media Outreach: Engaging journalists to highlight human rights work
Eastern Region Engagement: Alubo Annet will lead Eastern region members in engaging with UHRC using WHRDN-U policy briefs
Arua District Outreach: Emily Drijaru will meet with district committee members during a Swedish ambassador visit on March 19, 2025
Enhanced Security: All WHRDs committed to improving workplace security through stronger passwords and visitor management
Documentation: Continued case documentation for sharing with the Urgent Action Fund
Network Expansion: Identifying new WHRDs in communities for database inclusion
Follow-up Success: UHRC Soroti Engagement
The workshop’s impact was immediately evident when Eastern region WHRDs successfully engaged with UHRC’s Soroti regional office on April 11, 2025. Commissioner Akello Josephine welcomed the partnership, acknowledging that she had been unaware of WHRDs in the community and expressing willingness to provide support, especially for vulnerable groups who cannot afford legal representation.
Moving Forward Together
This capacity building workshop represents a significant milestone in strengthening the network of Women Human Rights Defenders across Uganda. By combining institutional engagement, practical skills development, wellness support, and alliance building, WHRDN-U has equipped defenders with essential tools to continue their vital work while better protecting themselves and supporting each other.
The testimonies, learning, and commitments from these three days demonstrate that when WHRDs come together, share experiences, and build collective knowledge, they become more effective advocates for human rights and more resilient in the face of challenges.
As the network continues to grow and strengthen, the impact of this workshop will ripple through communities across Eastern and West Nile regions, ultimately benefiting the marginalized populations these brave defenders serve.
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) successfully conducted a three-day residential regional capacity-building workshop at Esella Country Hotel in Kampala from April 2nd-4th, 2025. This landmark event brought together 25 Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from the Acholi region (Pader, Aleptong, Nwoya, Omoro, Kitgum, Gulu, and Lamwo districts) and Rwenzori region (Kabarole, Kasese, Bundibugyo, Kisoro) to strengthen their resilience, protection mechanisms, and advocacy impact.
Addressing Critical Challenges through Cross-Regional Learning
The workshop addressed the significant challenges faced by WHRDs in Uganda, including threats, violence, and systemic inequalities that hinder their advocacy efforts. Participants work on diverse human rights issues including Land Rights, Economic Rights, Disability Rights, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, HIV/AIDS Rights, Sex Workers Rights, Indigenous Rights, and Teenage mothers’ rights.
Setting Clear Expectations
The workshop began with participants sharing their expectations and aspirations. Gorreti Kajumba expressed her desire to “learn as WHRDs how can they engage with Uganda Human Rights Commission in their communities, nations and at nationwide level.”
Ataro Juliet highlighted specific challenges: “I expected to learn how to report complaints where they have been attacked because of defending Human Rights, for example women Human Rights Defenders who has been attacked for arresting clan leaders who has defiled a 09-year-old child, and men attacking GBV shelter managers in Gulu because they have given shelter to women who are trying to run away from abusive men domestic violence.”
Auma Sindy raised critical questions about evidence requirements: “If we are to report attacks against us the WHRDs for the good work we do of defending rights, what facts, what evidence and what details about this incident from WHRDs so that we receive support from Uganda Human Rights Commission?”
Day One: Institutional Engagement and Risk Assessment
Engaging with Uganda Human Rights Commission
Ms. Ruth Ssekindi, Director of Monitoring and Inspections at Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), delivered a comprehensive session on institutional engagement. She responded directly to participants’ concerns, outlining practical ways WHRDs can engage with UHRC through regional offices, writing requests, and building rapport through regular visits.
The session covered the mandate of UHRC as a constitutional body with 24 offices across Uganda, emphasizing that “As a woman human rights defendant, you have a right to speak up. If you see an injustice, speak up.”
Powerful Testimonies of Lived Experiences
Participants shared deeply personal experiences that highlighted the urgent need for protection mechanisms. Happy Paskezia shared a harrowing testimony: “A woman who had independently purchased a piece of land faced accusations from her husband that she was involved with other men who were purchasing the land for her. In a violent act driven by these allegations, he proceeded to cut off her hands.”
Another participant recounted childhood trauma: “There was a case of a child rights violation. A child was locked up in a pit latrine. At that time, I was also a child of 9 years old. When I went to UHRC regional office in Fort-Portal, I had the worst experience. The 1st day, the gate keeper chased me away. The next day I entered the gate, the staff did not believe in me and neither did they act on my case.”
Risk Assessment and Security Planning
Through interactive role plays, participants learned crucial security planning skills. The exercises demonstrated the stark difference between operating with and without proper risk assessment, covering scenarios including office break-ins, land rights demonstrations, and online media engagement.
Day Two: Equal Opportunities and Evidence-Based Advocacy
Understanding Equal Opportunities Commission
Counsel Musema from the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) explained the commission’s mandate to eliminate discrimination and marginalization. He shared compelling case studies, including: “A lady from Lamwo district, works in the US and she was the only surviving child. When her father died, the uncle said that she was not going to inherit her father’s property because she was a girl. The lady made a telephone call to the commission, a response was very swift… The case was resolved.”
Addressing Cultural Discrimination
Participants highlighted various discriminatory practices across regions. Halima Nasaka from Kasese testified: “Every recruitment favoured Bakonjo than other tribes. Most recruitment and high cadres jobs were for one ethnicity. That was a systemic issue. EOC through the directives of the tribunal, intervened.”
Other testimonies included:
“In Tooro, a woman legally married cannot own the property upon the death of her husband”
“Among the Bakonjo, if the girl gets a chance to go to school and thereafter becomes pregnant, she gets neglected”
“Basongola ladies do not get education. If they reach the age of marriage, they kidnap them, and bring them back to the family to be married off”
Evidence-Based Advocacy Training
WHRDN-U staff disseminated findings from their assessment on violence against WHRDs in Uganda (2020-2024). Through role plays with media and policy makers, participants learned to present compelling evidence-based arguments for WHRD protection.
Day Three: Documentation and Moving Forward
Understanding WHRD Identity and Work
The final day focused on documentation and reporting violations. A facilitator emphasized that “this is the first report that showed that women human rights defenders were attacked for doing good work of defending human rights.”
Participants learned that being a WHRD requires no specific qualifications – they are found everywhere from community homes to online spaces, hospitals to markets, doing crucial work including counseling survivors, advocating for policies, providing shelter services, and fighting harmful cultural practices.
Network Protection Services
The workshop highlighted WHRDN-U’s comprehensive protection approach:
One participant testified: “I received a rapid response when our office was broken into. The network enhanced the physical security. I also received a referral for protection. The network also wrote to frontline human rights and they supported me with money for office relocation.”
Another shared: “I received 500,000 for wellness and self-care when I was attacked online that I was promoting sex work.”
Key Successes and Participant Feedback
The workshop achieved remarkable success in building capacity and fostering solidarity. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
Day One Feedback: Ataro Juliet Olal reflected: “Participants increased their awareness on risk assessment and security planning and learnt computer security.”
Fiona Ladwar shared: “Before the workshop I was not minding about my body and my mental health, now I feel more rejuvenated.”
Tuhaise Marygrace noted: “This workshop has opened my eyes to how connected our well-being is to our human rights work.”
Final Reflections: Ataro Juliet Olal concluded: “It was a great initiative to make me part of the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) to attend the 3 days Workshop. I will continue to play a crucial role in advocating for WHRDs that often face significant risks in their work. Especially the training on case incidence reporting that equipped me with the necessary skills to document violations effectively, referral to seek justice, and amplify their voice.”
Mulhumbira Dinah emphasized: “After attending the session on documenting and reporting violations, now feel equipped to document and report threats safely.”
Murungi Beatrice captured the spirit of solidarity: “I have learnt that we cannot work in isolation, we need each other and that there is strength in numbers.”
Gorret Kajumba shared a powerful lesson: “Some of us as WHRDs our advocacy initiatives do not lead to positive actions because all along we never used data collected to share recommendations to engage in advocacy… I remember in my village 15 women activists we held a meeting with our Member of Parliament to help us deal with increasing child marriage. He denied our message because she asked how many girls were out of school, which sub counties and who the perpetrators were and we did not have the facts right.”
Action Plan and Moving Forward
The workshop concluded with concrete commitments:
UHRC Commitments:
Include partner organizations in regional offices
Strengthen collaboration with WHRDs across regions
WHRDN-U Actions:
Official partnership requests to UHRC and EOC
Regional dissemination of the assessment report in Acholi (Pader) and Rwenzori (Kabarole)
WHRD Commitments:
Regular engagement with UHRC regional offices
Improved documentation and reporting of violations
Continued advocacy with evidence-based approaches
Looking Ahead
This workshop represents a significant milestone in strengthening the capacity and protection of WHRDs across Uganda. By bringing together voices from diverse regions and backgrounds, fostering institutional partnerships, and building concrete skills in risk assessment, advocacy, and documentation, WHRDN-U has created a foundation for more effective and safer human rights work.
The testimonies shared throughout the workshop underscore both the challenges faced by WHRDs and their unwavering commitment to justice. As they return to their communities equipped with new knowledge, stronger networks, and enhanced protection mechanisms, these defenders continue the vital work of promoting human rights for all Ugandans.
The path forward requires sustained collaboration between WHRDs, institutional partners like UHRC and EOC, and continued investment in capacity building. Through such efforts, the vision of a Uganda where all human rights defenders can work safely and effectively moves closer to reality.
Building Bridges across Regions: A Three-Day Journey of Learning, Solidarity, and Resilience
Introduction
In a powerful demonstration of cross-regional solidarity and shared commitment to human rights, the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) brought together 25 dedicated activists from the Albertine and Karamoja regions for a transformative three-day residential workshop. Held at Esella Country Hotel in Kira from June 18-20, 2025, this capacity-building initiative exemplified the network’s commitment to strengthening the protection and advocacy impact of WHRDs across Uganda through collaborative learning and skills development.
Day One: Setting Hearts and Minds for Change
Opening with Love and Purpose
The workshop began with a symbolic gesture that would define the entire experience. Facilitator drew a heart on the flip chart, explaining that this symbol represents the love and care that Women Human Rights Defenders show in their work. “All participants have gathered in this space out of love for one another, their communities, and the human rights cause,” she emphasized, setting a tone of solidarity that would permeate the entire workshop.
Participants engaged in a reflective exercise, sharing their expectations and contributions on sticky notes—a simple yet profound way to create shared purpose and encourage active participation from the outset.
Institutional Engagement: Uganda Human Rights Commission
The first major session featured Ms. Ruth Ssekindi, Director of Monitoring and Inspections for the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), who addressed critical questions that reflected the lived experiences of WHRDs across regions:
Where can WHRDs report violations during their work?
How can WHRDs engage with UHRC offices in Albertine and Karamoja?
How should defenders respond to violations from authority figures or community attacks?
How can WHRDs hold UHRC accountable, especially in politically sensitive contexts?
Priscillar’s Testimony:“I was initially turned away at the UHRC regional office in Hoima. Only after the District Internal Security Officer intervened through a phone call did the office admit it was operational. This experience raised questions about the Commission’s responsiveness and accessibility.”
Ms. Ssekindi grounded her response in Uganda’s legal framework, referencing Articles 51 and 52 of the 1995 Constitution. She outlined multiple avenues for lodging complaints:
Walk-in visits to UHRC offices (free of charge)
Email submissions through the UHRC website
Toll-free phone lines and direct calls
Twitter/X spaces and the UHRC mobile app
Community outreach events
Real Stories, Real Impact: Participant Testimonies
The session became deeply personal as participants shared their experiences:
Pauline’s Case:“The military confiscated cattle from our community. I reported to local authorities and police with documented evidence, then escalated to the RDC.”
Dorcus’s Dilemma:“A woman was severely beaten by her husband and clan members for alleged infidelity. I feared that if I intervened, the same fate would befall me.”
Florence’s Complex Journey:“My human rights work led to community backlash, forced relocation, and violence. The situation involved family conflicts, co-wives, and police inaction.”
Josephine’s Disturbing Account:“A woman was chased from military barracks with a newborn, then assaulted by her husband at the police station while officers failed to act due to power dynamics.”
Ms. Ssekindi’s advice was both practical and empowering:
Report all violations to UHRC, police, or legal aid institutions like FIDA-U
Understand mental health dynamics, especially in trauma-related situations
Find creative legal alternatives, such as mass weddings to protect property rights
Invest in land and education for girls
Don’t internalize negative cultural norms that inhibit women’s rights
Emily’s Empowering Story:“Despite being denied land ownership by my husband, I used agricultural compensation to invest in land and rentals in Nebbi. I later mobilized women to form a support group, highlighting the importance of economic independence.”
Rita’s Reflection:“The information given is real. It will shape us into better people, role models, and stronger Women Human Rights Defenders.”
Risk Assessment and Security Planning
The afternoon session employed innovative role-play scenarios to strengthen participants’ security preparedness.
Role Play 1: Office Break-In Scenarios
Scene 1 – Without Risk Assessment: Two staff members experienced a break-in where phones, laptops, and hard drives were stolen. The organization had no data backups, weak passwords, no security guard, and no visitor management system.
Scene 2 – With Risk Assessment: The same office faced another break-in attempt, but proactive measures minimized impact:
Trained security guard present
Visitor registry in place
Strong passwords and cloud backup
Neighbors sensitized to report suspicious activity
Role Play 2: Land Rights Demonstration
Scene 1 – Without Planning: Women activists staged a spontaneous protest against land grabbing. Without prior risk assessment, protesters were arrested, some subjected to violence and sexual assault, with no legal support or medical supplies available.
Scene 2 – With Proper Planning: The same group organized a peaceful protest following comprehensive risk assessment:
Stakeholder mapping and support networks identified
While arrests still occurred for route deviation, the lawyer intervened promptly with proper documentation.
Key Lesson: Risk assessment and security planning significantly reduce both physical and digital threats, with proactive communication enhancing safety during public advocacy.
Wellness and Collective Care
Executive Director Brenda Kugonza facilitated a deeply interactive session emphasizing that self-care is not luxury but necessity for WHRDs working under pressure.
Norah Basemera’s Insight:“Self-respect includes simple acts like serving oneself adequate portions of food—these are expressions of self-worth and care.”
The session addressed sensitive topics with cultural sensitivity:
Maria’s Perspective:As a sex worker, Maria shared that she views sex as a form of exercise and self-care.
Pauline’s Reality:From Karamoja, Pauline explained how Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) effects have diminished sexual desire for many women in her community.
The facilitator provided broader cultural context, encouraging WHRDs not to compare themselves to other cultural standards but to find personal, meaningful ways to enjoy intimacy as part of holistic self-care.
Day Two: Expanding Institutional Knowledge
Equal Opportunities Commission Engagement
Peace Arworoth introduced the EOC as a constitutional body addressing inequality, marginalization, and discrimination while promoting affirmative action for vulnerable groups.
Marginalized Groups Identified:
People with Disabilities (PWDs)
Women facing patriarchal limitations
Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV)
Ethnic minorities
Elderly persons
LGBTQI+ community
Sex workers
Children
Youth
Communities in hard-to-reach areas
Robinah’s Success Story:“An HIV-positive girl was dismissed from her job and nearly attempted suicide. Upon reporting to EOC, the victim received compensation from the employer.”
Maria’s Victory:“A sex worker was evicted and publicly exposed due to her work and HIV status. The landlady was reported, arrested, and ordered to pay UGX 7 million compensation.”
Claudia’s Observation:“Youth are regularly excluded from job opportunities under the assumption of inexperience.”
Evidence-Based Advocacy: Stakeholder Engagement
The session modeled a stakeholder meeting with participants divided into district-level officials and WHRDs. This practical approach strengthened capacity for effective engagement based on assessment report findings.
Key Reflections:
Priscila:“WHRDs often focus primarily on their own organizational issues during stakeholder engagements, sometimes overlooking broader community interests. We need a more collective approach.”
Lydia:“Understanding your audience—the type of stakeholders being engaged—and thorough preparation are crucial.”
Robinah:“Local government engagements can be influenced by political dynamics. Some officials might offer false promises, so we must manage expectations.”
Norah:“Legal and administrative compliance is vital—ensure organizational documentation like valid permits and district files are up to date before engagement.”
Day Three: Documentation and Action
Documenting Violations: Critical Skills for Critical Times
The protection officer facilitated hands-on training using case scenarios and incident forms, emphasizing documentation’s importance as elections approach—a period when WHRDs face increased targeting.
Critical Warning: The facilitator stressed the need to assess cases critically, as some individuals may present false claims for undeserved support or to damage others’ reputations.
Robinah Tibakanya’s Caution:“A woman falsely claimed to be an HIV-positive activist. After being supported, her dishonesty was revealed, and she retaliated by attempting to damage my reputation within the community.”
Akello Sarah’s Network Building Journey:“In my early days in Moroto, I was the only WHRD and was often overshadowed by male counterparts. Through continuous documentation and advocacy, the network expanded, and I now benefit from solidarity and support whenever I face threats.”
Important Reminder: The network must remain non-partisan. Members were advised not to use WHRDN-U’s name, materials, or identity for political campaigns.
Action Planning: Concrete Commitments
Participants developed specific action plans:
Shannon: Mobilize 5 WHRDs from different Karamoja districts to join Dorcus in Amudat for solidarity visit on July 30, 2025
Josephine: Mobilize Karamoja WHRDs for self-sponsored collective care session by July 8, 2025
Norah: Lead Albertine WHRDs to refer 2 discrimination cases to EOC by July 15, 2025
Joviah: Lead Albertine WHRDs to refer 1 human rights violation case to UHRC by July 8, 2025, followed by a collective care retreat led by Lydia
Key Successes and Impact
Transformational Outcomes
Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Participants gained practical skills for effective engagement with district-level platforms and key stakeholders.
Strengthened Collaboration: The workshop fostered solidarity and strengthened collaboration among WHRDs, encouraging peer learning and collective action.
Improved Legal Preparedness: CBO owners and managers were encouraged to ensure compliance with legal requirements before advocacy engagement.
Evidence-Based Advocacy: WHRDs improved their ability to conduct and present data-driven advocacy using assessment insights.
Peer Inspiration: Success testimonies from WHRDs who engaged with EOC and UHRC served as powerful motivators.
Self-Care Promotion: Participants gained practical tools for mental well-being and resilience, essential for sustained activism.
Lessons Learned
Access to justice should be pursued regardless of perpetrator status or influence
Multiple reporting channels exist for violations (walk-ins, email, toll-free numbers, apps, social media)
Regional UHRC offices provide crucial partnership opportunities
Consistent documentation and follow-up are essential
Cultural norms that silence women or normalize violence must be questioned
Routine risk assessments help identify potential threats
Self-care techniques are vital for preventing burnout and trauma
Peer stories reduce isolation and build practical strategies
Challenges Addressed
Emotional Distress: Personal testimonies triggered emotional responses, highlighting the need for ongoing psychosocial support.
Security Concerns: WHRDs identified gaps in personal and organizational security, especially in remote areas.
Burnout Risks: Participants often work in isolation without adequate support networks.
Capacity Needs: Some reported language barriers and limited formal education affecting full engagement with legal discussions.
Looking Forward: A Network Strengthened
This residential workshop exemplified WHRDN-U’s commitment to building a resilient, knowledgeable, and connected network of Women Human Rights Defenders. By combining institutional knowledge with practical skills, personal testimonies with collective action planning, and regional perspectives with national frameworks, the workshop created a powerful foundation for continued advocacy.
The testimonies shared throughout these three days, rom Priscillar’s persistence with UHRC to Emily’s economic empowerment journey, from Maria’s courage as a sex worker advocate to Akello Sarah’s network-building success, demonstrate the incredible strength, resilience, and determination of Uganda’s Women Human Rights Defenders.
As participants return to their communities in Albertine and Karamoja, they carry with them not just enhanced skills and knowledge, but a renewed sense of solidarity and shared purpose. Their action plans provide concrete steps forward, while their testimonies serve as powerful reminders that individual courage, when supported by collective action and institutional engagement, can create meaningful change.
The heart symbol that opened this workshop, representing love, care, and commitment, continues to guide WHRDN-U’s work. Through workshops like this, the network ensures that no WHRD stands alone, that every voice is heard, and that the fight for human rights in Uganda grows stronger with each passing day.
For more information about WHRDN-U’s work or to connect with the network, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we are stronger.
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) successfully concluded a groundbreaking three-day residential capacity building workshop that brought together 20 dedicated Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) from Central and Lango regions. The workshop, held from July 2-4, 2025, in Kampala, marked a significant milestone in strengthening the advocacy impact and protection mechanisms for women defenders across Uganda.
Building Relationships across Regions
The workshop’s core objective was clear: enhance the capacity, protection, and advocacy impact of WHRDs through cross-regional learning and skills development. With participants representing diverse advocacy backgrounds, from combating early marriages to defending sex workers’ rights, the gathering created a powerful platform for shared learning and mutual support.
“We shall never go back when we are the same due to the information shared,” expressed Akello Jamilla, capturing the transformative spirit that permeated the three-day event.
Institutional Partnerships: Opening New Doors
Uganda Human Rights Commission: A Strategic Alliance
Ruth Sekinde, Director at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), delivered a powerful session that challenged participants to recognize their worth and impact. Her opening message resonated deeply:
“One key lesson learned in my human rights work journey is that women are very important, but women underestimate themselves. Women are enemies of each other, but there is space for all of us.”
Through interactive case studies and stereotype-breaking exercises, Ruth helped participants understand that speaking about human rights doesn’t mean being against government, but rather addressing issues that affect people’s lives. The session equipped defenders with practical knowledge on how to engage UHRC mechanisms for accountability and protection.
Counsel Peace from the Equal Opportunities Commission brought fresh perspectives on tackling discrimination and marginalization. Her session revealed that only 5 out of 20 participants had previously interacted with EOC, highlighting a crucial gap that the workshop aimed to bridge.
Participants shared powerful testimonies of discrimination:
Maria, a sex worker rights defender:“As a sex worker, people hate you because they don’t like someone doing sex work.”
Betty, on tribal discrimination:“I felt neglected because I was always harassed by the stepmother due to my mixed heritage,my mother was Munyarwanda and father was Muganda.”
Getrude, on gender-based exclusion:“While in a committee meeting full of men, I am always denied a platform to make any submission.”
“After meeting with an EOC representative, my hopes have been built up because I believe Lango regional economic disparities can be addressed,” shared Jamila, expressing renewed optimism.
Personal Safety and Collective Care: Revolutionary Self-Preservation
One of the workshop’s most innovative elements was the wellness and collective care session, including guided nap time—a radical act of self-preservation in a field where defenders often sacrifice personal well-being for their cause.
“Most times women are lost in work, they never have time for themselves, but taking a nap is not a burden,” emphasized facilitator Brenda Kugonza.
Participants learned that self-care isn’t selfish but essential: “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish, it allows you to serve from an overflow.”
Risk Assessment through Real-Life Scenarios
The workshop featured three compelling role-play sessions that brought security challenges to life:
Office Security Breach: Participants navigated the aftermath of break-ins at women’s organizations, learning the importance of information backup and collaborative response.
Land Grabbing Resistance: Defenders faced unlawful arrest and sexual violence while fighting for women’s land rights, highlighting the need for legal aid networks and emergency support systems.
Media Advocacy Challenges: A role-play involving early marriage prevention through media advocacy demonstrated the political intimidation defenders face and the critical importance of cross-regional networking.
Evidence-Based Advocacy: From Stories to Systems Change
Through targeted advocacy simulations, participants learned that preparation builds confidence and personal testimonies create powerful evidence for systemic change. The workshop emphasized that documentation isn’t just record-keeping. It is the foundation of evidence-based advocacy that can transform policies and save lives.
Challenges and Honest Reflections
The workshop didn’t shy away from difficult realities. Key challenges identified included:
Cultural and Religious Rigidity: Deep-rooted beliefs that limit full engagement in human rights work
Isolation Among WHRDs: Many defenders lack support networks and safe spaces
Limited Documentation Capacity: Knowledge gaps in effectively recording human rights violations
Looking Forward: A Network Strengthened
As the workshop concluded, participants weren’t just better informed.They were transformed. The network, now comprising 145 members across regions, committed to:
Identifying and documenting WHRDs in their districts
Continuing evidence-based advocacy training
Providing emergency response support (legal, medical, psychological)
Promoting cross-cultural visits and emotional well-being initiatives
Creating opportunities for experienced WHRDs to facilitate future training sessions
The Ripple Effect Begins
“After this workshop, we’re not just returning to our communities. We’re returning as empowered advocates with tools, networks, and renewed purpose,” reflected one participant.
The WHRDN-U residential workshop proved that when women defenders come together, share experiences, and build alliances, the impact extends far beyond individual empowerment. It creates a movement capable of challenging systems, protecting the vulnerable, and building a more equitable Uganda.
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U)
Dear Partners, Allies, and Friends,
Warm greetings from the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U)!
We’re excited to share highlights from our activities and progress during the first quarter (January to March) 2025.Thanks to your continued solidarity and support, we’ve made meaningful strides in creating safe spaces, amplifying voices, building capacity, and advancing protection for Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) across Uganda.
1. Creating Safe Spaces for Marginalised Voices (WHRDs)
On January 21st, 2025, with support from the Global Fund for Women, we convened a workshop for Women Human Rights Defenders at the HRAPF Community Center. This session offered a safe haven for WHRDs to share their experiences, tackling issues like discrimination, violence, and exclusion. Counsel Justine of HRAPF provided practical strategies for crisis management and resilience, while participants united to advocate for mental health support, relocation resources, and economic empowerment. Together, we reaffirmed our resolve to build stronger solidarity networks and inclusive advocacy platforms.
2. Celebrating Women Human Rights Defenders – Dynamic International Women’s Day Campaign
On March 8th, WHRDN-U commemorated International Women’s Day (#IWD2025) through an engaging social media campaign celebrating the courage and contributions of WHRDs across the country. With over 2,000 views and active engagement on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WHRDNU and Twitter X https://x.com/WHRDNU, we amplified the voices of WHRDs advocating for gender equality and social justice. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1897809062948966490?s=46. With over 2,000 views, the campaign raised awareness on the importance of protecting WHRDs and inspired public support for their work.
During Women’s Week, WHRDN-U also mobilized WHRDs from different regions to meet with the Equal Opportunities Commission and Uganda Human Rights Commissionhttps://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1898014642632270168, strengthening their knowledge of how to access protection and support through national mechanisms, creating opportunities for dialogue and safeguarding advocacy efforts.https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1898016033631355177.
3. Capacity Building for Regional Protection Networks
From March 5th to 7th, with support from Kvinna Till Kvinna, WHRDN-U hosted a three-day workshop at Esella Country Hotel LTD, uniting 25 WHRDs from Uganda’s Eastern and West Nile regions. The event enhanced advocacy techniques, strengthened reporting skills, and fostered alliance-building. Through interactive sessions on risk assessment, wellness, and protection mechanisms, participants developed actionable plans to combat violence and human rights violations and renewed energy to confront growing threats with courage and collaboration.
4. Strengthening Resilience for LBQT WHRDs
On March 4th, WHRDN-U, in partnership with Defend Defenders and the Royal Danish Embassy in Uganda, held a timely convening at HRAPF offices on “Understanding the Cost of Activism and Strengthening Digital Resilience.” Twenty-one Structually marginalised WHRDs explored strategies to safeguard their digital presence, cope with online threats, and sustain their activism amid growing hostility. Led by facilitators from HRAPF and HER Internet, the session emphasized the need for economic security and stronger support systems.
5. Global Advocacy at CSW69
WHRDN-U had the honor of participating in the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) in New York. At a side event hosted by UAF-Africa, we presented our Assessment Report on Violence against WHRDs, drawing attention to the risks defenders face in Uganda and across the region. Through strategic engagements with global partners and policymakers, we echoed the urgent need for protection and policy reforms to safeguard WHRDs everywhere. For reference view icon report below:
6. Documenting and Supporting Cases
Between January and March 2025, WHRDN-U documented 17 cases of violence, threats, and risks faced by WHRDs across Uganda. Three cases received direct support, including psychosocial assistance, referrals, and emergency response. These interventions underscore the importance of timely and coordinated action to protect WHRDs. For instance, we documented a caseOn 9 January 2025, human rights activist and lawyer Agather Atuhaire, along with six other activists, were arrested in Kampala while attempting to march to the Supreme Court. The protest sought to draw attention to the prolonged detention of civilians in military courts and the judiciary’s delay in ruling on the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians. The group was detained at Kampala Central Police Station and charged with common nuisance. https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/journalist-agather-atuhaire-arrested-4883280
7. Strengthening Governance and Accountability
On March 29th, WHRDN-U held a Board of Directors meeting, where the annual work plan, budget, and audit report were reviewed and approved, thus ensuring strong governance and transparency for the year ahead. See photo below during Board of Directors meeting.
As we look ahead, we remain inspired by the strength, courage, and solidarity of women defenders across Uganda. Together, we are building a safer, more just society where all women can defend rights without fear.
Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U)
Dear Partners, Allies, and Friends,
Warm greetings from the Women Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U)!
We are pleased to share with you the key highlights from our activities and achievements during the second quarter of 2025 (April to June). We also take this opportunity to reflect on the current situation in which Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) continue to operate in Uganda. Your continued solidarity and support have enabled us to make progress in creating safe spaces, amplifying voices, building capacity, and promoting the protection of WHRDs across the country.
WHRDN-U, in partnership with other feminist organizations, held a press conference during the Pan-African Conference on Family Values. We urged legislators participating in the Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family Values and National Sovereignty to adopt recommendations that support women and girls in families. https://x.com/womenprobono/status/1920769074172215755?s=48
WHRDN-U, together with the Tanzanian Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders, the Kenya Women Human Rights Defenders Hub, and the International Coalition for Women Human Rights Defenders, issued a joint statement titled “Defending Solidarity, Safety, and Democracy in East Africa.” https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1927379099862868339?s=12
On June 19, 2025, WHRDN-U , participated in a discussion hosted by the French Embassy in Uganda on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and feminist policies. She shared WHRDN-U’s insights and contributions on advancing feminist values. https://x.com/WHRDNU/status/1935694271115600041?t=xybLcLXq52uEwFbYl_U2jA&s=08
WHRDN-U recently facilitated self-care, collective care, and healing sessions in Kampala for WHRDs. These gatherings provided space for emotional support and solidarity, recognizing that caring for defenders is essential to the work of defending rights. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1935461960893546720?s=51
On World Environment Day, WHRDN-U partnered with the National Environmental Management Authority and the Uganda Human Rights Commission to host a training session for Environmental WHRDs. The session focused on laws that protect them in their climate justice efforts. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1930072552358952997?s=12
On May 23, 2025, WHRDN-U participated in the 27th Annual Uganda Human Rights Commission event. The Commission’s report officially included key recommendations from our 2024 assessment on violence against WHRDs. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1926981386423939117?s=51
With support from UAF-Africa, WHRDN-U took part in the 2025 Global Convening on WHRDs’ Crisis and Care held in Brazil. This event brought together global feminists, activists, and donors to share experiences and strategies. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1924038345719505211?s=51
WHRDN-U organized a two-day legal compliance training on April 24–25, 2025 at Eureka Hotel. The training equipped WHRDs with legal knowledge to counter growing restrictions and understand compliance requirements. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1915848810800287946?s=12
From April 2–4, 2025, WHRDN-U held a residential workshop at Esella Hotel with WHRDs from the Acholi and Rwenzori subregions. The workshop focused on reviewing violations, reflecting on their working environment, and developing strategies to reduce risks in their human rights work. https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1908393238588694529?s=51
WHRDN-U held a three-day regional residential capacity-building workshop from June 18–20, 2025, at Esella Country Hotel in Kira. The workshop brought together 25 WHRDs from the Karamoja and Albertine regions. It aimed to strengthen their protection strategies and advocacy efforts through shared learning and skills development.
12. Report from WHRDNU’s registry Database of attacks against WHRD data base
According to quarter one (January to March 2025, our report presents an analysis of cases recorded from the WHRDN-U’s Registry of Attacks against WHRDs. A Total cases documented were 18 and these cases involved various forms of violations against Women Human Rights Defenders. A line graph illustrates the number and types of reported violations experienced by WHRDs.
A second graph categorizes the incidents by types of perpetrators, offering insights into the sources of attacks.
The second quarter’s report covers cases documented between April and June 2025.Total cases documented were 15, 5 WHRDs received Emergency Protection Support, and 10 WHRDs received psychosocial support, coordinated through WHRDN-U and peer WHRDs
A pie chart shows the distribution of the human rights work of the affected WHRDs: GBV Activism – 23.1%, Child Rights – 15.4%, Sexual Minority Rights – 15.4%,Economic Rights – 15.4%,Female Journalists – 7.7%,LBQTI Rights – 7.7%,Environmental Rights – 7.7%, and Women’s Rights Activism – 7.7%
A bar graph displays the types and frequency of human rights violations reported.
Compiled by: Brenda Kugonza, Executive Director, WHRDN-U Date: March 25, 2025
Introduction
The Women Human Rights Defenders Network-Uganda (WHRDN-U) actively participated in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) held in New York, USA, in March 2025. Our engagement at CSW69 provided a strategic platform to highlight the threats, challenges, and resilience of Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRDs) in Uganda and across Africa.
Key Highlights of WHRDN-U Participation
1. Panel Discussion on Registering and Monitoring Attacks against WHRDs in Africa
WHRDN-U took part in a high-level panel discussion during a side event organized by UAF-Africa https://x.com/whrdnu/status/1899545949350859128?s=46. The session focused on the critical task of registering and documenting attacks against WHRDs in Africa. Discussions covered:
The democracy crisis in Uganda, its historical and structural causes.
WHRDN-U’s Assessment Report: Challenges WHRDs face due to escalating repression, gender-based discrimination, and shrinking civic space.
Strategies of resilience, including legal advocacy, mental health support, and alliance-building.
A call for donor support to prevent further harm and amplify activist-led initiatives for sustainable change.
During this panel, WHRDN-U presented the newly published Assessment Report on Violence Against Women Human Rights Defenders in Uganda https://www.whrdnuganda.org/assessment-report-on-violence-against-women-human-rights-defenders-in-uganda/., disseminating key findings to donors, policymakers, and leaders of women’s rights organizations. Policy briefs summarizing key insights from the report were shared to enhance awareness and advocacy.
We fostered high level of recognition and awareness about the important work of WHRDs, the threats and challenges faced by WHRDs. For instance we share policy briefs titled ‘Violence Against WHRDs: Seeking Protection’
2. Targeted Meetings with Strategic Partners and Allies
WHRDN-U held targeted meetings where the Executive Director, Brenda Kugonza scheduled side meetings and one-on-one meetings with strategic partners and allies. During these engagements, she disseminated assessment reports and policy briefs, ensuring that WHRD issues remained at the forefront of discussions.
3. Engagements with the Consortium for East African WHRD Protection Networks
WHRDN-U joined forces with regional partners:
Hilda (Tanzania Coalition for WHRDs)
Salome (Kenyan WHRD Hub)
Brenda Kugonza (WHRDN-Uganda)
Together, we reinforced collective efforts to advocate for WHRD protection in East Africa. This collaboration strengthened the regional advocacy agenda and created opportunities for cross-border solidarity.
3. Participation in FIDA Uganda Side Event
WHRDN-U was invited to a side event hosted by FIDA Uganda at CSW69. This engagement allowed interaction with key policymakers, including Hon. Betty Amongi, Minister of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD), Uganda. Discussions assessed the effectiveness of poverty alleviation initiatives such as the GROW and Parish Development Model (PDM) and their impact on women’s empowerment.
4. WHRD International Coalition Anniversary Event
WHRDN-U also participated in the Women Human Rights Defenders International Coalition Anniversary to demonstrate solidarity in challenging times. This event reinforced global networks supporting WHRDs and provided a space to share experiences and strategies for collective action.
Key lessons learnt
Side events hosted by like-minded partners highlighted key findings, recommendations and generated commitments.
Targeted briefing meetings provided tailored insights from the report
The use of policy briefs as fact sheets summarized key findings that guided discussions and ensure accessibility
Printing and distributing physical copies of the policy briefs to key stakeholders attending CSW sessions and parallel events
Way forward and recommendation
CSW provides a rare opportunity to engage policymakers and duty bearers who may otherwise be difficult to access due to political sensitivities back home.
Leveraging CSW for Strategic Policy Engagement & Advocacy
1. Direct Access to Policymakers & Duty Bearers
• CSW provides a neutral and international space where policymakers feel more open to engaging with WHRDs without fear of local political repercussions.
• We should prioritize closed-door engagements where policymakers can candidly discuss social justice issues and explore collaborative strategies.
• Organize policy dialogue sessions where we present the report and discuss actionable recommendations tailored to their interests.
2. Strategic Use of Allies to Push Difficult Conversations
• In situations where direct engagement with policymakers is challenging, we will mobilize allies and friendly international partners to raise tough questions on our behalf.
• Coordinate with development partners and feminist allies to ensure that WHRDs’ issues remain on the agenda in high-level sessions, even when we are not physically in the room.
• Identify key moments in CSW events where duty bearers are speaking and prepare strategic interventions that highlight WHRD challenges.
3. Development Partners Should Invest in This Advocacy Approach
• Given the unique opportunity that CSW presents, donors and partners should recognize the value of this space in advancing policy influence and commit resources to support advocacy efforts at such international platforms.
• Encourage funders to allocate funding for sustained follow-up engagement after CSW to ensure that commitments made in New York translate into action at home.
4. Maximizing CSW as a Platform for Policy Influence
• CSW should not just be an event for participation but a deliberate advocacy space to advance WHRDs’ protection and policy demands.
• Track policymakers’ responses and commitments during CSW engagements and use this data to hold them accountable post-CSW.
Conclusion
WHRDN-U’s participation in CSW69 was a significant opportunity to elevate the visibility of WHRDs, highlight pressing challenges, and advance advocacy efforts on a global stage. By fostering collaborations, disseminating critical findings, and engaging policymakers, WHRDN-U strengthened its position as a key actor in the protection of WHRDs. Moving forward, we will continue leveraging international spaces like CSW to amplify our advocacy and push for meaningful policy reforms.
Kampala, Uganda – The Women’s Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) successfully held its 7th Annual General Meeting on Friday, July 25th, 2025, at the prestigious Arch Apartments and Hotel in Ntinda, Kampala.
The meeting brought together members from across the network to review the organization’s progress, discuss key achievements, and chart the path forward for women’s human rights advocacy in Uganda.
Meeting Highlights
The comprehensive agenda covered crucial organizational matters, beginning with an opening prayer that set a reflective tone for the proceedings. Members received communications from the Chairperson, providing strategic direction and updates on the network’s activities.
Key presentations during the meeting included:
Board Chairperson’s Report: A detailed overview of the network’s activities and strategic initiatives throughout the year
Treasurer’s Financial Report: Comprehensive financial statements for the year ending December 31st, 2024
Audited Accounts Presentation: Independent audit results ensuring transparency and accountability in financial management
Annual Narrative Report 2024: A thorough review of programs, achievements, and impact made by the network
The meeting also included a review of previous meeting minutes, ensuring continuity and follow-through on previously agreed actions. An “Any Other Business” session provided members with an opportunity to raise additional concerns and suggestions.
Strengthening the Network
The 7th AGM represents a significant milestone for WHRDN-U, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to democratic governance and member participation. The meeting provided a platform for members to engage in meaningful dialogue about the challenges facing women human rights defenders in Uganda and strategies to address them.
The diverse attendance reflected the network’s broad reach and the strong commitment of its members to advancing women’s rights and gender equality across Uganda. The professional venue at Arch Apartments and Hotel provided an conducive environment for productive discussions and networking among participants.
Looking Forward
The successful completion of the 7th Annual General Meeting positions WHRDN-U to continue its vital work in 2025 and beyond. With transparent financial reporting, clear strategic direction from leadership, and strong member engagement, the network is well-positioned to advance its mission of protecting and promoting women’s human rights in Uganda.
The meeting concluded with renewed commitment from all members to support the network’s objectives and work collaboratively toward creating a safer environment for women human rights defenders across the country.
The Women’s Human Rights Defenders Network Uganda (WHRDN-U) continues to be a leading voice in advocating for women’s rights and supporting female human rights defenders throughout Uganda. For more information about WHRDN-U’s work and upcoming activities, visit our website or contact us directly.
Group photo for the members of the Annual General Meeting taken on 25th July 2025 at Arch Apartments and Hotel.
Photo Caption: Members of WHRDN-U gathered for the 7th Annual General Meeting at Arch Apartments and Hotel, Ntinda, Kampala on July 25th, 2025, demonstrating strong participation and commitment to the network’s mission.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
