The State Of Human Rights In Otuke

On the weekend, just two days after Uganda celebrated her 62nd Independence anniversary, we brought together over 50 citizens, local leaders, and human rights advocates to address one of Uganda’s pressing challenges: protecting and promoting human rights in rural communities. This dialogue, held in Otuke, a district that is still healing from decades of conflict, opened up crucial discussions on social and economic issues that continue to make the enjoyment of human rights a rarity for most people.  

Building a Foundation for Human Rights

Samson Emasit, the activity team leader representing Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), warmly welcomed participants with an insightful reflection on KAS and its “Human Rights, Our Concern” project, which advocates for human rights across 14 Ugandan districts, including Otuke. The project is also co-supported by the European Union in Uganda working alongside Chapter Four Uganda, and the African Institute for Investigative Journalism. Emasit emphasized that human rights are fundamental to community engagement, democratic participation, and national development. “Human rights determine whether citizens will freely participate in democratic processes and play active roles in the development of their communities,” he explained.

Ojok Okello, the founder and CEO of Okere City, delivered a presentation on “Human Rights and Why They Matter for Rural Development in Otuke,” highlighting the concerning state of human rights in the district. He cited statistics that underscored the urgency of addressing human rights issues in Otuke: 6% of children suffer from wasting, 15% are stunted, and 15% of women are undernourished, according to UNICEF. Moreover, fewer than 15% of children aged 3 to 6 have access to early childhood education, and a staggering 70% of primary school students drop out after their Primary Leaving Exams, as parents often cannot afford school fees.

Okello also described Okere City’s approach to fostering human rights, centered on empowerment, participation, accountability, dignity, justice, and equality. Through initiatives that create decent jobs, support agricultural value chains, provide healthcare, and offer learning opportunities, Okere City is promoting fundamental rights and improving livelihoods for the community.

Denis Kiptum, a senior secretary for the Otuke District Local Government, further underscored these issues by highlighting relevant sections of Uganda’s constitution, including rights to equality, personal liberty, freedom of expression, and protection from inhumane treatment. Kiptum shared recent data from the district police, which showed that domestic violence (15 cases), defilement (12 cases), and rape (05 cases) were among the most frequently reported cases of human rights violations in Otuke. “This data shows that the rights of women in our district are under significant threat, and this must be addressed urgently,” Kiptum emphasized.

Kiptum Denis presentation a report about the status of human rights in Otuke District.

Voices from the Dialogue

The participants enthusiastically shared their perspectives, with many experiencing a human rights advocacy platform for the first time. Energized by the dialogue, some committed to joining local human rights advocacy efforts, while others called for broader involvement of cultural and religious leaders, recognizing their influential role in promoting community awareness.

A recurring question during the dialogue was how to sustain the momentum beyond the meeting. Participants suggested follow-up sessions and even radio broadcasts to reach more people, particularly in rural communities where face-to-face training might not be feasible. Several participants voiced frustrations over barriers to political engagement, especially noting that restrictions by local authorities often stifle discussions among opposition members, underscoring the need for more open citizen-state engagement.

Discussions also touched on root causes of human rights violations in Otuke, including poverty, limited awareness of legal rights, substance abuse, and post-conflict trauma. Participants noted the decline of traditional justice systems and slow judicial processes as additional hurdles. They emphasized the need to reform cultural practices, like biased inheritance norms that contribute to land disputes and inequality.

Dolly, a teacher in Okere making a contribution during the dialogue.

Angol Patrict, a local leader making his plenary submission.

Recommendation: A Path toward Collective Action

Participants at the community advocated for broader community involvement in promoting human rights throughout Otuke. They called for joint efforts among government, civil society, and community members to build a more informed and resilient community capable of tackling rights abuses and empowering local leaders to serve as defenders of human rights.

Looking Ahead: A Community United for Change

The conference in Okere City marked a significant step forward in building a culture of human rights in Otuke District. For many attendees, it was a transformative experience that illuminated the role of community engagement in safeguarding rights and fostering a fairer, more just society. As participants departed with renewed determination, the dialogue left a powerful impression: the path to peace, justice, and equality begins with united voices and shared responsibility.

With a strong local leadership and supportive partners like the Konrad Adenauer-Stiftung, Otuke District now stands stronger, with a commitment to building a future where human rights are not merely ideals but realities shaping every aspect of community life. This gathering in Okere was an important reminder that dialogues are not only catalysts for change but essential steps toward a brighter, more equitable future for all.