Kween district has commenced the process of establishing a human rights committee to assess the human rights situation in Kween district- the first of its kind in Sebei region. This follows numerous human rights violations in the district especially between the host communities and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
Samson Okurut Emasit, a representative from Konrad- Adeneur Stiftung said the engagement with a cross section of leaders at the district council on Monday, 10 is to establish a human rights committee.
“As you’re aware, in 2009, the then Minister of Local Government, Adolf Mwesige instructed all local governments to form human rights committees to cover up the gap of the Human rights commission not having resident human rights offices within the district” he said.
He added that the committee that was meant to advocate, senstize, and promote human rights at district level was delayed in Kween due to lack of orientation, induction among others.
Okurut further emphasized that “the committee will be composed of the CAO, LCV or DEC member, Media and CSO representatives, youth, women leaders, and the department of community based services will form the secretariat”.
On behalf of partners, John Bosco Tembo, a representative from Chapter Four Uganda, the project “Human rights our concern” seeks to strengthen community action in the advancement of human rights and freedoms in Uganda.
Their activities in the project range from training human rights defenders and journalists how to monitor, determine and how to report on human rights. He revealed that Chapter Four is actively participating in the creation of human rights committees in 14 districts across the country.
Kween district chairperson; Geofrey Chelogoi (aka champion of the poor) appreciated the project founders for choosing Kween as the host community and expressed optimism in forming the human rights committee within 7 days and this will include people from across Sebei sub-region to cater for all.
