Kitgum district to institute human rights committee

25 February 2025, 1:54 pm

By Otim Moses

Kitgum District Local Government is considering plans to establish a District Human Rights Committee, as recommended by the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) several years ago.

During a stakeholder engagement meeting on 24th February 2025 at the RDC’s boardroom, it was agreed that the committee would ensure inclusive handling of human rights, leaving no one behind.

The Programme Manager of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Mar Emasit Samson Okurut, stated that the advocacy is being carried out under the “Human Rights Our Concern” project, which is being implemented in 14 districts, including Kitgum. He revealed that some districts, such as Wakiso and Otuke, have already established their District Human Rights Committees.

Mr Okurut stated that Kitgum district was selected for the project due to the increasing cases of human rights violations in the area.

He commended the district and stakeholders for agreeing to establish the District Human Rights Committee and urged other districts to follow this example to make human rights protection and promotion a standard practice across the country.

Ms Florence Lajara, a Project Officer at Women’s Voice for Development, appealed for the sustainability of the committee once it is established.

Hajji Walire Marijan, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kitgum, stated that the primary responsibility for protecting human rights lies with the government. However, he emphasised the need for a close working relationship with the established District Human Rights Committees.