UN Human Rights Office exits Uganda

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) commonly known as the UN Human Rights Office, has stopped all its operations in the country and exited Uganda.

The Office was established in Uganda in July 2005 and its Initial mandate was focused on the human rights situation in the conflict-affected areas of northern and north-eastern Uganda.

However, on February 6, 2023, the office received a note verbale dated February 3, 2023, from the foreign affairs ministry notifying OHCHR of the Government’s decision not to renew the OHCHR’s Host Country Agreement in Uganda.

“Due to the Government’s decision not to renew the Host Country Agreement, OHCHR has proceeded to make all necessary arrangements to close its presence in Uganda by 5 August 2023,” the UN Human Rights Office said in a statement on Monday.

Ruth Ssekindi the Director for Monitoring and inspections at Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) looking on during the the stocktaking ceremony by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on May 29 at Ndere recreation centre, Ntinda

During a stocktaking meeting with the UN human rights partners at Ndere Recreation Centre, Ntinda in Kampala, Ruth Ssekindi, the director for monitoring and inspections at the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), who represented commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya said after 18 years of advocating for human rights, OHCHR has not only been a great partner but also a committed friend.

“I hate saying goodbye. This is just a see you later. We do hope our paths cross again in the future. We have been partners and colleagues but very close. We are grateful for your professionalism, dedication, and collegiality over the years. We shall miss you all,” Ssekindi said.

She added that OHCHR was invited into Uganda at a time when Uganda was grappling with the aftereffects of the LRA war adding that it give her great pleasure for having worked hand in hand as partners.

Over the past years, human rights is not an easy work field, but it has grown exponentially and has become so complex that even those considered renowned experts in the field have continuously upgraded their knowledge to keep relevant, Ssekindi.

She added that OHCHR has greatly helped UHRC in building the capacity of its staff regarding emerging human rights issues.