Nobert Mao commends media for highlighting Besigye’s plight

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The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, has lauded the media for shedding light on the plight of opposition figure Dr Kiiza Besigye while emphasizing the need for responsible journalism.

He noted that a responsible government should not be offended by media scrutiny but should instead respond constructively to the issues raised.

“The media has played a commendable role in bringing to light the challenges facing Dr Besigye. A responsible government cannot take offence at this; rather, it is our duty to address these concerns, and we have responded accordingly,” Mao stated on Thursday.

Mao said that the media has played a commendable role in bringing to light the challenges facing Dr Besigye. (File photo)

Mao made these remarks at the National Stakeholder Consultative Conference on the National Action Plan on Human Rights (NAP-HR), which is taking place from February 20 to 21, 2025, at the Imperial Golf View Hotel in Entebbe.

The two-day conference, organized by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in collaboration with the Justice, Law, and Order Sub-Programme, aims to discuss and validate a draft concept note on the National Action Plan on Human Rights.

Responsible journalism

While commending the media’s role in setting the agenda, Mao also urged journalists to practice responsible reporting, particularly when covering legal and human rights matters.

“I call upon the media to exercise responsibility and avoid exaggeration. It is true that the Supreme Court has made a judgment, but some people seem to believe that the government can simply override court decisions. The media must approach such issues with seriousness,” he asserted.

He emphasized that the government is committed to responding to issues raised in the media but expects journalists to uphold professionalism in their reporting.

The role of alternative dispute resolution

Mao highlighted alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a crucial mechanism for unclogging the court system, explaining that many people resort to litigation due to failed negotiations.

He cited the establishment of a Cabinet resolution on human rights as a significant milestone.

“People end up in court because they fail to agree. One of my main priorities has been to promote alternative dispute resolutions to ease the burden on the judiciary. Additionally, we have secured a Cabinet resolution to implement the standing committee on human rights, which includes senior ministers. This is a major achievement,” he noted.

A defining moment for human rights in Uganda

Mao described the conference as a pivotal moment in Uganda’s human rights journey, urging stakeholders to ensure that the National Action Plan is both comprehensive and transformative.

“If we are serious about human rights, we must define what kind of state we want. We need a system that safeguards citizens against injustice while ensuring accountability,” he remarked.

He stressed that while Uganda has made progress in human rights, systemic inequalities persist, necessitating deliberate policy interventions.

“We are discussing an action plan that must be given practical implementation. It is not enough to have laws—we need strong institutions, independent oversight, and fair enforcement mechanisms. This document must empower citizens to hold institutions accountable and ensure that government commitments translate into tangible actions,” Mao asserted.

Civil society and the private sector’s role

Mao called upon civil society organizations to continue holding the government accountable while urging the private sector to actively participate in promoting human rights awareness.

Police conduct, civic education

The Justice Minister also addressed the conduct of law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for professionalism and respect for human rights.

“The police should distinguish themselves from unarmed citizens and conduct law enforcement duties in uniform. Officers must inform individuals of the offenses they are accused of rather than taking matters personally. A human rights-based approach to policing is essential,” he urged.

He acknowledged that low civic education levels contribute to tensions between citizens and authorities and called for initiatives to improve public awareness on constructive engagement with power structures.

Relatedly, the Chairperson of Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Mariam Wangadya, commended the National Action Plan on Human Rights, saying it is a game-changer.

“It is Uganda’s blueprint for embedding human rights in governance, development, and everyday life. It aligns with our Vision 2040, the National Development Plan, and our obligations under regional and international treaties. More than just a document, the NAP for Human Rights is a commitment—a promise to make Uganda a rights-respecting nation – and I believe we are facing in that direction,” she said.

She added that, “The NAP-HR is not just for policymakers. It is for every Ugandan. It is a tool to ensure that human rights are not optional; they are embedded in governance, economic policies, and everyday life. In fact, let me add, for this plan to work, we must ensure that no one is left behind.”

Wangandya highlighted that minority communities, indigenous groups, and marginalized populations must be at the centre of human rights policies.

“Discrimination must end. Equal access to justice, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities must be a reality for all. We also must strengthen our legal aid so that every Ugandan, regardless of status, has access to legal protection and redress,” she emphasised.

National consultative conference on human rights

The two-day National Consultative Conference has brought together 150 stakeholders, including state and non-state actors, from across Uganda. 

The forum aims to validate the draft National Action Plan on Human Rights and deepen partnerships in advancing human rights.

The development of the NAP-HR aligns with Uganda’s commitments under the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), which was reinforced in Geneva in February 2022.

With support from the European Union (EU) and IBF International Consulting, the Ministry of Justice has reviewed and integrated UPR recommendations into the action plan.

Rosette Kuhirwa, Senior Planner Governance at National Development Plan, said the conference provides a rare opportunity to discuss Uganda’s Bill of Rights, entrench human rights in public and private sectors, and ensure alignment with national development priorities, including the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV).

She emphasized the importance of fiscal discipline and strategic resource allocation to ensure meaningful progress in upholding human rights.

Consensus building for a rights-based future

The conference discussions are facilitated by experts from government institutions, civil society, and the private sector, with key contributions from the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission, and development partners.

Participants aim to build consensus on the action plan’s framework and validate it before submission to the Cabinet for adoption.

A resolution will be made to reinforce the country’s commitment to upholding human rights as a cornerstone of democratic governance.