Uganda To End Mandate of UN Rights Office

Given that it has “developed dynamic internal institutions on human rights,” Uganda will not extend the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of the United Nations’ mandate, which must expire this year, the government announced to AFP on Wednesday.

The decision drew immediate criticism from the opposition.

The non-renewal of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ mandate, established in this East African nation since 2005, was justified by Henry Oryem Okello, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the grounds that “the entire country of Uganda is peaceful and we have developed dynamic internal institutions such as the Uganda Human Rights Commission.”

“Under President Museveni’s guidance, our human rights record has significantly improved over the years,” he stated.

Since 1986, Uganda has been governed by President Yoweri Museveni with an iron grip.

In a letter dated February 3 and seen by AFP, the Ugandan government informed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of the following: “The government will continue to work directly or through its permanent mission in Geneva with the OHCHR headquarters.

Muwada Nkunungi, a member of the National Unity Platform led by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, one of President Yoweri Museveni’s primary rivals, opposed the choice.

“The Museveni administration is fearful. Because they fear strict adherence to human rights, it is not surprise that they are not renewing the mandate,” Muwada Nkunyingi told AFP.

Meanwhile, he added that the government intends to violate human rights without restraint.

Moreover, requests from AFP have not yet received a response from the human rights office in Kampala.