Human Rights in Uganda

An Introduction to Human Rights in Uganda: Article 20 of the Constitution of Uganda, 1995.

Introduction

The Constitution of Uganda, in Article 20, states that fundamental rights and freedoms are inherent to every individual and are not granted by the State. This means that these rights are part of who we are as human beings and must be respected, upheld, and promoted by the Government, its agencies, and all individuals.

What Are Human Rights?

Human rights are the basic entitlements every person has simply because they are human. These rights are not given by any government or authority; they are universal and apply to everyone, no matter their nationality, gender, race, religion, or any other status. Human rights range from the most essential, such as the right to life, to those that improve our quality of life, like the rights to food, education, work, health, and freedom.

Human rights are universal, meaning they apply to all people, everywhere. As stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This means no one is excluded from enjoying these rights.

Human rights are also inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away, except in very specific situations and under the law. For example, a person’s right to liberty can be restricted if they are found guilty of a crime in a court of law.

Human rights are indivisible and interdependent. This means that different rights are closely connected, and one cannot be fully enjoyed without the others. The enjoyment of one right therefore depends on the enjoyment of many other rights and no one right is more important than the rest.

Why Human Rights Matter

Human rights are essential for the well-being of every individual. Without them, it is impossible to live a moral, physical, social, or spiritual life. Human rights create the conditions for people to live with dignity and achieve personal and community development.

The Duty to Respect, Uphold and Promote Human Rights

The Government and its agencies are responsible for respecting, upholding and protecting human rights as provided by the Constitution. If the government fails to protect or respect these rights, individuals can seek justice in the courts or through other legal means. It is also the role of the media, civil society, and the international community to hold the government accountable and ensure that human rights are upheld for all Ugandans.