Pajule residents call for civic education to curb rights violations & abuses

24 September 2025, 19:07

By Ekel Bonny Daniel

Residents of Pajule Town Council in Pader District have called on the government and human rights bodies to train politicians in civic education ahead of the upcoming general elections, saying the move would help reduce human rights abuses that often accompany political campaigns and voting seasons.

The appeal was made during a community dialogue organised by the Human Rights Centre Uganda in partnership with the Uganda Human Rights Commission at Pajule Town Council headquarters on Friday, 19 September 2025.

The dialogue brought together local leaders, residents, and human rights advocates to discuss the challenges communities face during election periods.

Several residents openly expressed frustration with politicians, whom they accused of disregarding voters’ rights.

Rose Abuyo, a resident of Pajule, argued that many political actors tend to trample on fundamental freedoms during campaigns and voting.

Abuyo believes civic education focused on human rights could guide politicians to act responsibly.

“Politicians need to be reminded that people’s rights are not negotiable. With proper civic education, they can learn to respect those rights and avoid abusing their power,” she said.

Another resident, Goodyear Onen, added that the tense political climate in Pajule has left many people fearful.

He emphasised that training leaders on human rights would go a long way in easing the anxiety communities face every election season.

“If politicians are equipped with knowledge about human rights, they will campaign more peacefully and not intimidate voters,” Onen noted.

However, local leaders admitted that resources to conduct such training are limited.

Pajule Town Council LC3 Chairperson, Okello Tito Brilliant, acknowledged the community’s concerns but said government funding is stretched. He appealed to partners, civil society organisations, and human rights advocates to support the initiative.

“The government has very limited resources to carry out civic education for all politicians. We therefore call upon development partners and other stakeholders to step in and support this important initiative. It will not only reduce rights violations but also improve service delivery and strengthen governance in our area,” Okello said.

In response, Teddy Opiru, the Uganda Human Rights Commission’s Field Coordinator in Pader District, assured residents that their concerns had been taken seriously.

She explained that the Commission plans to conduct the training once funding is secured.

“We have recorded this request, and we recognise it as very important. As soon as funds become available, we shall roll out civic education programmes for political leaders,” Opiru said.

Meanwhile, Robert Mugisha, Senior Programme Officer at the Human Rights Centre Uganda, urged communities not to remain silent in the face of human rights abuses, particularly during the heated political season.

“Silence only fuels impunity. Communities should continue reporting any violations so that appropriate action can be taken,” Mugisha advised.

The dialogue was hailed as one of the most successful engagements organised by the Human Rights Centre Uganda in Pader District.

Many participants confirmed that such activities have already had a positive impact, raising awareness about rights and empowering residents to speak out against abuses.

With the general elections approaching, the appeal from Pajule residents highlights the growing demand for accountability and respect for human rights in Uganda’s political landscape.