Joint Statement Uganda: Civil society organizations decry deteriorating human rights situation ahead of Universal Periodic Review The Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center (KHRC), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, Amnesty International, and the Stanford Law School International Human Rights and Conflict Resolution Clinic jointly made a submission to the fourth United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Uganda. The submission highlights critical concerns regarding civic space, the accountability of security agencies, electoral freedoms, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination. It examines Uganda’s failure to uphold its international human rights obligations, and offers... read more
Post tagged in "Uganda"
Vance Center Hosts Panel Discussion on Internet Shutdowns in Africa
Posted on February 26, 2026On February 26, the Vance Center and international partners hosted a virtual panel discussion on “Internet Shutdowns in Africa: Implications for Democracy, Human Rights, and Fundamental Freedoms.” The panel, part of a series examining rule of law issues in Africa, drew more than 100 attendees for a discussion of governments’ growing use of internet, communications, and social media shutdowns in countries across Africa, especially around elections. The conversation was co-sponsored by the New York City Bar Association’s African Affairs and International Human Rights Committees, the Pan African Lawyers Union, and the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center. Vance Center... read more
Vance Center Hosts Discussion on Military Trials, Rule of Law and Human Rights in Uganda
Posted on May 20, 2025On May 7, the Vance Center, along with international partners, hosted a virtual panel discussion on “Principles of justice and military trials in Uganda.” The panel, the first in a planned series delving into rule of law concerns in Africa, drew more than 100 attendees over the course of the wide-ranging conversation, which covered human rights violations and the use of military trials against civilians in Uganda as well as concerning legal trends in East Africa. read more
Statement of Concern Regarding the Enactment of the Protection of Sovereignty Act in Uganda
Posted on June 12, 2026In a new statement, the New York City Bar Association expressed alarm about the recent passing into law of the Protection of Sovereignty Act (PSA) in Uganda. The City Bar contends that the law raises grave risks to the fundamental freedoms of association, expression, and public participation protected under regional and international human rights standards. The law’s provisions could be used to stigmatize civil society and risk criminalizing and limiting legitimate civic, development, humanitarian, or rule of law support activities in an environment of increasing restrictions on civic space, as documented by international observers. The City Bar reaffirms its solidarity... read more
City Bar Statement on Targeting of CSOs and Rising Restrictions on Civic Space Amidst Uganda’s General Elections
Posted on February 2, 2026In a new statement, the New York City Bar Association expressed deep concern at the escalation in the targeting of civil society organizations (CSOs) and restriction of civic space around recent presidential elections in Uganda These actions include arbitrary suspension of Civil Society Organizations, an unlawful nationwide internet shutdown, and other actions that undermine civic participation and violate Uganda’s obligations under international and regional human rights law. The City Bar calls on Uganda’s government to take immediate action to overturn the suspension order and review the regulatory powers to enact such suspensions, protect fundamental rights for all Ugandans, and permit... read more
City Bar Statement Expressing Concern over Uganda’s Arrest and Conviction of Human Rights Lawyer Eron Kiiza
Posted on January 31, 2025In a new statement, the New York City Bar Association expressed serious concern about the Ugandan government’s arrest and conviction earlier this month of Eron Kiiza, a lawyer representing a political opposition leader, as well as Uganda’s continued use of military tribunals for civilians. The “arrest, summary trial, and nine-month prison sentence imposed on Eron Kiiza by a military tribunal raise serious concerns about the infringement of legal professionals’ rights and broader implications for the rule of law in Uganda,” the statement says. On January 7, 2025, Ugandan military officials denied Kiiza entry to the court to represent his client... read more