The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) has released a Report on the Assessment Survey on the present-day emergency protection services for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in Uganda.
This comprehensive study evaluates five key themes; the understanding of the protection services offered to HRDs in Uganda, Availability of the services, Accessibility of the services, Quality of the services, and sustainability of emergency protection services available to HRDs at both national and grassroots levels.
The study, which engaged stakeholders ranging from HRDs, the NCHRD-U secretariat, protection service providers, and development partners, sheds light on the strengths and gaps within the sector.
The report was launched by Robert Sempala the executive director of Human Right network for journalist on behalf of Magret Ssekajja, the board chairperson National coalition of human right defenders Uganda.
Sempala said that as the country heading to general elections 2026 there is need to build a mechanism that will ensure the work of Human right defenders are not violated.
On his Part, Robert Kirenga, the executive director of National coalition of human right defenders Uganda said that ‘’this survey provides valuable insights that will shape our strategy for improving emergency protection services for HRDs. Our goal as NCHRD-U is to ensure that every HRD in Uganda, regardless of their location or area of work, can access high-quality protection services when they need them most’’.
‘’We call upon all media personnel, Government, HRDs, Development partners, and all other stakeholders to join us we look forward to providing HRD protection services to human rights defenders in Uganda’’. Said Kirenga.
Key Findings of the Report
Understanding: While 90% of the respondents are aware of HRD protection services, many struggle to distinguish between preventive and emergency services. Legal services were ranked the most critical, especially during high-risk events such as national elections or contentious legislative processes.
Availability: There are over 140 service providers in Uganda, with trusted providers including; Uganda Police, religious leaders, cultural leaders, and peer support groups. However, service provision is challenged by limited coordination among stakeholders, leading to issues such as fraud, duplication, and competition.
Accessibility: While 35% of respondents said that emergency protection services are accessible at the national level, only 33% found services accessible at the regional level. Legal services are noted to be the most accessible type of support.
Quality: The study acknowledged the high quality of training and capacity-building initiatives. However, institutional weaknesses such as limited infrastructure and human resources affect the quality of services, with concerns raised about unrealistic turnaround time and support.
Sustainability: The absence of a regulatory framework for HRD protection services and over-reliance on donor funding are critical challenges to sustainability. The restrictive legal environment further undermines efforts to safeguard HRDs and ensure the continuity of service delivery.
The report concludes that while the sector has grown significantly, ongoing efforts to strengthen institutions, systems, and coordination mechanisms are necessary. The central role of NCHRD-U in improving access, availability, and quality of emergency protection services is recognized and applauded.
