Stakeholders in Kabale District have expressed deep concern over the continued laxity by Ugandans to read, understand, and apply the Constitution of Uganda, warning that this ignorance is fueling violations of the law and widespread injustice in the region.
The concerns were raised on Thursday during a one-day capacity-building workshop for Human Rights Defenders, organized by the Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) under the theme “Promoting Human Rights and Civic Competence through Community Empowerment in Kigezi Sub-region.” at Heras Hotel in Kabale Municipality.
According to Albert Taremwa, the Executive Director of LOSCO, ignorance of the law remains one of the leading causes of lost legal battles in Uganda, especially among marginalized communities that lack knowledge about their constitutional entitlements.
CUE IN TAREMWA….ON THE ISSUE…..ENG//
ASP Arnold Ndagije, the Legal and Human Rights Officer for Kigezi Region Police, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of every community having access to a copy of the Constitution. He further stressed that respect for human rights and freedoms must be at the center of civic education in Uganda.
He reminded participants that the 1995 Constitution is the supreme law of the land and urged civic leaders, human rights defenders, and political leaders to ensure that all Ugandans appreciate its provisions.
CUE IN NDAGIJE……ON THE MATTER…..ENG//
Anxious Niwamanya, the team leader of the Youth Green Initiative, used the platform to call for stronger protections for human rights defenders themselves, noting that activists often face threats while advocating for others.
Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Michael Muramira Kyakashaari, reminded participants that ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse to manipulate the poor and vulnerable.
CUE IN DRDC MURAMIRA….ON PARTICIPANTS……ENG//
Closing the workshop, Kabale RDC Maj. Godfrey Katamba expressed concern about the growing cases of human rights abuses in the Kigezi sub-region. He commended LOSCO and other NGOs for their partnership with the government in raising awareness and promoting civic education.
CUE IN RDC KATAMBA…..ON THE MATTER……ENG//
