Summary:
- Julian Kihembo, the coordinator of the Rural Women Defenders Network, highlighted the widespread lack of awareness about civic rights, particularly in rural areas.
MBARARA: Human Rights Defenders within the Civic Space Movement (CISMO) are urging the government to prioritize the rights of human rights defenders.
During a press conference on Wednesday in Mbarara city, Barnabas Tugumisirize, the Programs Manager at Civic Space Movement (CISMO), announced nationwide initiatives to support human rights defenders in safeguarding their increasingly limited civic freedoms.
He emphasized their objective to provide comprehensive training in both physical and digital skills to empower these defenders.
Tugumisirize also outlined plans to establish committees at regional and national levels dedicated to documenting all instances of human rights violations.
Julian Kihembo, the coordinator of the Rural Women Defenders Network, highlighted the widespread lack of awareness about civic rights, particularly in rural areas. She stressed their commitment to raising awareness and expanding civic education to empower citizens.
Sharon Ndyamusiima, the National Coordinator for Civic Space and Movement, revealed plans to collaborate with security forces to maintain order while upholding human rights.
She noted the formation of 200 groups nationwide tasked with reporting human rights abuses, especially as the country approaches the 2026 general election.
