The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has praised the Uganda Police Force for notable strides in adopting a human rights-based approach to policing, especially during electoral processes.
Crispin Kugiza Kaheru, a UHRC Commissioner, made the remarks on Friday, June 27, while representing Chairperson Mariam Wangadya at the closing of a four-day police training on human rights-based policing held at the Skills Development Centre in Kikandwa, Wasiko District.
Kaheru, a seasoned expert in human rights protection, cited a steady decline in rights violation complaints against the police over the past decade.
Drawing from UHRC annual reports (2015–2024), he highlighted reductions in incidents involving torture, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and violations of personal security.
“We commend the Uganda Police for upholding human dignity and freedoms. The decrease in complaints is a result of strong leadership and commitment to ethical enforcement,” Kaheru said.
The training covered critical areas such as use of force during elections, ethics, integrity, and protection of non-derogable rights. SCP Dr. John Kamya, Head of Doctrine and Curriculum Development, lectured extensively on these topics while representing the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba.
Dr. Kamya acknowledged UHRC’s strategic partnership with the police, noting it had ended the blame game over rights violations.
He said joint training, advocacy for officer welfare, and proactive oversight have improved relations between security agencies and the public.
The training, coordinated by Kamadi Byonabye, Director of Research, Education and Documentation at UHRC, drew 80 officers from various police units including Legal, Public Relations, Community Liaison, Crime Intelligence, Political Desks, and Electoral Offences Desks.
Byonabye emphasized that under Article 221 of the Constitution, security personnel are constitutionally obligated to uphold human dignity and rights.
He also noted that violations of non-derogable rights such as the right to a fair hearing, freedom from torture, slavery, and unlawful detention are prosecutable for up to ten years.
CP James Kusemererwa, who led the session on policing public assemblies, urged officers to move away from outdated practices such as requiring “permission” to hold gatherings.
“You don’t need permission to enjoy your rights. Just notify police three days in advance for a security assessment,” he said, encouraging officers to embrace dialogue and de-escalation during crowd control.
The training modules covered a wide range of themes including; human rights and elections, Public Order Management Act (POMA), prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, rights of vulnerable groups
Others included gender-based violence during elections.
Kamadi also warned against the overzealous enforcement of laws by duty bearers, stressing that respect for human rights must be central in all policing operations, especially during elections.
“Elections are a reflection of a country’s human rights record,” he said, calling on citizens to participate meaningfully in the democratic process.
Among the notable participants were ACP Maureen Atuhaire, SSP Dorothy Kyobutungi, and UHRC officers including Rosemary Kemigisha and Juliet Logose.
SP Hellen Butoto, Regional Police PRO for Sezibwa, said the training enhanced officers’ capacity to uphold rights and freedoms.
“We’re motivated to share the knowledge and skills gained with fellow officers and the public. Observing human rights is everyone’s responsibility,” she stated.
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