By Racheal Amuge
NEWS
The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) has unveiled a report revealing significant gaps in emergency protection services for Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) across the country.
During the launch at Golden Tulip Hotel, the study pointed to a lack of coordination among over 140 service providers, limited accessibility of services at regional levels, and over-reliance on donor funding, which threatens the sustainability of protection efforts.
Speaking at the event, NCHRD-U Executive Director Robert Kirenga emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and legal frameworks to ensure HRDs, especially at grassroots levels, receive timely and high-quality support and noted that while there is awareness of the services, the system is failing to meet the needs, particularly in high-risk situations such as elections.
He stressed the absence of a regulatory framework for human rights defenders’ protection services and urged the police to ensure that HRDs are protected, especially in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
The board Chair of NCHRD-U, Robert Sempala, stressed that the report calls for stronger government involvement and better coordination to safeguard HRDs and ensure the continuity of emergency protection services.
The human rights defender from Northern Uganda Pamela Angwech called for justice and economic empowerment for HRDs in Northern Uganda, who help protect women and youth involved in land wrangles, sexual, and gender-based violence.
