The leadership of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) is in Moroto for an oversight visit aimed at assessing the performance of the Commission’s Regional and Field Offices and strengthening engagement with staff and stakeholders involved in the promotion and protection of human rights.
The delegation is led by the Chairperson, together with the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, and Members of the Commission to wit; Hon. Shifrah Lukwago, Hon. Jacklet Atuhaire Rwabukurukuru, Hon. Col. Rtd. Steven Basaliza, Hon. Crispin Kaheru, and Hon. Simeo Nsubuga.
The visit is being conducted through the Directorate of Regional Services headed by Ms. Sarah Nakhumitsa. Through this Directorate, the Commission conducts routine visits to its Regional Offices to interact with staff and stakeholders, assess the implementation of its mandate, and identify challenges affecting service delivery.
The visits also include unannounced inspections of prisons to assess the living conditions of inmates and the working conditions of prison officers.
Meeting With Moroto, Nakapiripirit And Kotido Staff
The Commission kicked off this week’s visit with a meeting with staff from the Moroto Regional Office, and Nakapiripirit and Kotido Field Offices.
While delivering his welcome remarks, the Regional Human Rights Officer, Moroto Regional Office, Mr. Paul Piramoe, appreciated the Commission for renewing staff contracts.
He highlighted some of the challenges facing the region. These included difficulties in accessing UPDF detention facilities, and staff serving in the same Regional Office for extended periods without rotation. He appealed to the Commission to consider periodically rotating staff across Regional Offices.
He also noted that security in the region had significantly improved.
Secretary Reassures Staff
The Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Kamadi Byonabye, informed staff that most of the challenges raised had been addressed during the recently concluded budget conference, including concerns relating to inadequate ICT equipment and materials.
He further informed them that the Commission has now extended its oversight visits to Field Offices, beginning with Nakapiripirit.
*Chairperson Announces Tribunal Proceedings*
While addressing staff, the Chairperson revealed that the Commission will commence Tribunal proceedings this month, starting with Kampala and Fort Portal.
She also assured staff that she would engage the relevant stakeholders to discuss and address some of the concerns raised by the Regional Human Rights Officer.
Visit To Moroto Prison
After the meeting, the Commission proceeded to Uganda Government Prison, Moroto.
The visit to the prison was in line with the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Articles 51 to 58 of the Constitution — to promote and protect human rights, to visit and inspect places of detention, and to ensure that dignity is upheld for all persons, including inmates and prison officers.
In Moroto, the Commission’s message was clear: human rights must be felt beyond Kampala — in every office, every community, and every detention facility.
