Published on: November 19, 2024
The Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI) has celebrated her achievements of 32 years of tireless human rights activism for justice and equality in Uganda. This was during her 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) that took place at the Human Rights House based in Nsambya, Kampala.
FHRI has continued with her efforts in the country and beyond focusing on critical human rights issues such as access to justice, the defence of personal liberty, and the campaign for the progress abolition of the death penalty.
The guest of honour, Dr. Stephen Okello, Secretary, National Bureau for NGOs (NGO Bureau), from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, commended the good work done by FHRI and her membership in fighting for justice as well as supporting many people from all walks of life in the country. He noted that this work requires a lot of resources and called upon members to continue with the culture of supporting the organisation through payment of subscription fees and donating where possible.
He pointed out that foreign funding a major source of finances for the NGO sector is slowly dwindling whereas it is this sector that plays a critical role in holding the government accountable as well as defending the marginalised and disadvantaged people. He noted that the decline in foreign aid has incapacitated many NGOs leading to their closure especially in cases where local philanthropy is still very low. He urged the sector to consider self-sustenance activities. Dr. Josephine Ndagire, the Chairperson, FHRI Board of Directors urged organisations to learn from each other to acquire different models for development to promote self-sustainability. ‘’For over 20 years, FHRI have invested in various income generating activities and the members are also engaged which has kept the organisation going. The membership of over 1500 people across the country remain committed to promoting human rights.
In his remarks, Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana, Executive Director of FHRI highlighted that NGOs in Uganda are increasingly finding it difficult to deliver their services due to a hostile legal and financial environment. Lack of automatic tax exemptions to their locally generated income from sources like properties defeat the efforts of serving the marginalised communities.
He updated the membership on the new developments by FHRI that include the Bushenyi Legal Aid Project (F-BLAP) which has made an impact by reducing pre-trial detention rates at Nyamushekera Prison by over 30%, through provision of legal aid to thousands of victims and advocacy for criminal justice reforms in Western Uganda. He said that with the campaign for the progressive abolition of the death penalty in Uganda, there have been recent successes including a parliamentary vote in favour of abolition, a reduction in death row prisoners from 417 in 2009 to 104 in 2024, and FHRI’s election as Vice President of the World Coalition against the Death Penalty (WCADP) in 2023. “The road to justice is long, but we have made great progress over the years. Together, we can make a difference, and the future of human rights in Uganda looks brighter with each step we take,’’ said. Dr. Sewanyana.
The Executive Director added that a dedicated team of 60 staff including volunteers and interns continue to play a pivotal role in the organization’s success and this has been further strengthened by the international exchange programmes with experts from South Africa and Zimbabwe, as part of a two-year Norwegian Exchange Project.
He noted that FHRI’s work is made possible by the support from its key partners, who have been critical in enabling the organization to achieve its objectives such as the European Union (Brussels), Legatum Foundation, World Coalition against the Death Penalty, Norwegian Agency for Exchange Cooperation (NOREC) and CIVICS/BPB Germany Federation of International Human Rights Defenders (FIDH) “Our partners are a key part of our success. Their unwavering support and collaboration have helped us to implement transformative programmes that are creating a lasting change in Uganda’s human rights landscape” said Dr. Sewanyana.
As FHRI looks forward to celebrating 33 years while undertaking various actions ranging from provision of legal aid service, conducting civic education, advocating for policy reforms to networking and cooperating with regional and international players, FHRI remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals, promote justice, and create a more inclusive society for all Ugandans.