Solomon Muyita
11 October 2008
interview
The Uganda Human Rights Commission on October 3 commemorated "a Decade of Human Rights Work; Making Human Rights a Reality for All" at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel's Rwenzori Ballroom. Saturday Monitor's Solomon Muyita caught up with the rights body's Chairperson, Ms Margaret Sekaggya, and below, she talks about how she has managed the institution:-
Why celebrate a decade of human rights promotion when the Commission has actually been around for 12 years?
It is easier to talk about a decade. People usually celebrate a decade; 10 years, 20 years, and so on. We thought it would catch people's attention when we celebrate a decade of promoting human rights.
How was it in 1996 when you started?
We started our work in a small leaking office at Arua Park (in Kampala). We had nothing - no budget.
We really started from scratch. We had a staff of only seven people and us the commissioners.
Now we have moved into our offices. We have a staff of 140 people. We are represented across the country. .
What is it you've been doing over the years?
We've been doing a lot of work in the field of human rights. We have sensitised people about their fundamental rights- the freedoms enshrined in our Constitution.
Most Ugandans now know you cannot detain them beyond 48 hours. We have trained security forces like the police, army, prisons, on human rights issues.
We have managed to monitor the government's compliance in regard to human rights observance.
We have quasi judicial powers and we have sat as a tribunal and awarded compensations to victims of human rights violations.
The government has been compensating these victims. What has been your greatest strength as a commission?
Our greatest strength has been the support of the people of Uganda. They support the Commission, they like our work and they have been giving us the push and the strength to go on and defend them.
And the media has made it possible by publicising our work- the cases we have handled over the years.
We have also been supported internationally by various organisations and donor groups that have helped us grow as an independent institution.
The government should also be commended for funding our budget up to 75 per cent.
We have worked very hard as an institution to earn this money, we have used it properly and I think more people will want to support us.
What challenges has the Commission faced over the years?
Big time challenges indeed. Sometimes when you come out strongly to highlight human rights violations, you are branded an enemy.
That you are an opponent of the government; people say you belong here and you do not belong there.
It's been a personal challenge for me too having to provide leadership and getting consensus of all commissioners to agree on what to do.
How does it feel for a woman leading such an institution uninterrupted for a long period of time?
It shows that women can make it. That they too can lead big institutions, they are doing good work and they should be recognised and supported.
How does UHRC deal with the fact that in many of the cases it handles, the State is involved and some tough decisions have to be made?
It's a challenge but the most important factor is professionalism.
We know the law, and international obligations and procedures so we apply them fairly.
How is Uganda rated in terms of protection and promotion of Human Rights today?
Uganda stands out uniquely because it has this institution, which is highly rated.
The government is credited for allowing the Commission to do its work and help the executive to uphold the rule of law and advancement of democracy.
So what activities is the Commission focusing on now?
We are focusing on civic education. We've got funding from the European Union to do more civic education.
We're looking at the new issues of Human Rights.
We are looking at issues like climate change, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly.
We have to work harder as we move towards 2011 general elections.
What should the ordinary Ugandan learn from UHRC?
Ugandans should know that we are here to ensure that nobody's human rights are violated by the state or any other organisation, or individuals.
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