By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Entebbe: Uganda has begun a groundbreaking journey to fortify human rights, with a focus on educating young people about their rights and responsibilities. This commitment was emphasized by the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Ms. Mariam Wangadya, at the National Stakeholder Consultative Conference on the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR).
The conference, held at Golf View Hotel in Entebbe, marks a pivotal moment in Uganda’s human rights journey. Wangadya underscored the critical role human rights play in national development, stressing that this is not merely another meeting, but a defining moment for Uganda’s future.
The National Action Plan on Human Rights serves as Uganda’s blueprint for integrating human rights into governance, development, and daily life. This plan aligns with Vision 2040, the National Development Plan, and regional and international treaties. Although Uganda pledged to develop this plan in 2011, the process stalled for over a decade. The UHRC played a crucial role in reviving and accelerating the process, working closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Wangadya emphasized that the plan aims to ensure human rights are embedded in governance, economic policies, and social structures. She highlighted the need to prioritize minority communities, indigenous groups, and marginalized populations to make human rights accessible to all. “Discrimination must end. Equal access to justice, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities must be a reality for everyone,” she stressed.
The success of this plan relies on collective responsibility from all sectors. Wangadya called on the government to allocate adequate resources for implementation, warning that without funding, the plan will remain mere words on paper. She urged civil society organizations, academia, and the media to track progress, amplify marginalized voices, and hold duty-bearers accountable.
Most importantly, Wangadya emphasized that every Ugandan must play an active role in promoting human rights. “We need a culture of human rights. That means educating young people about their rights and responsibilities, embedding human rights in schools, workplaces, and communities, and ensuring that respect for rights is part of our national identity,” she said.
Ultimately, Wangadya acknowledged that laws and policies alone will not transform Uganda. A cultural shift is necessary, where human rights are ingrained in every aspect of society. As Uganda embarks on this transformative journey, the collective efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a brighter future for human rights in the country.