Zimbabwe commends Uganda’s human rights progress

The Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has praised Uganda’s progress in upholding human rights, highlighting the country's strong legal frameworks and institutions, such as the Inspectorate of Government and the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), which have played a key role in ensuring human rights.

A nine-member delegation from the ZHRC is currently in Uganda for a study visit to learn more about human rights practices and the fight against corruption.

During their visit, the team will engage with several government agencies, including the Inspectorate of Government, UHRC, and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC).

At an engagement with the Inspectorate of Government at their Kampala office on February 17, 2025, Martin Muduva, a commissioner of ZHRC, said Uganda has demonstrated a high level of respect for human rights over the years, which attracted them to undertake the benchmarking visit.

Muduva explained that administrative justice is essential for ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in government and public decision-making.

He emphasized that it is a vital element of a well-functioning society as it protects individual rights, fosters good governance, and upholds the rule of law.

“We are truly honoured to be here today on a study visit to Uganda. It is a privilege to be welcomed by an institution comprised of esteemed experts and specialists in administrative justice,” Muduva stated.

Deputy IGG Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe with delegates from Zimbabwe and other members of the Inspectorate.

According to Muduva, the study visit comes at a time when Zimbabwe is expanding the mandate of its rights body to include the fight against corruption. He explained that their interaction with Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government provides ZHRC with valuable insights gained from years of experience in the anti-corruption field.

“The knowledge gained during our time here will help enhance our ability to uphold and check for human rights back in Zimbabwe. This visit allows for meaningful interaction and exchange of ideas, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and connections with regional justice institutions.

“I’m optimistic that this experience will pave the way for ongoing exchanges and cooperation as we strive to protect our citizens from abuses of power and maladministration,” he said.

On her part, Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), who presided over the engagement, underscored the vital role played by the anti-corruption body in promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership, noting that these values are indispensable for sustainable development.

She acknowledged that while Uganda has made significant progress in the fight against corruption, the journey is far from over, describing it as an ongoing battle that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including ordinary citizens.

Muhairwe welcomed the ZHRC delegation’s study visit, calling it a commendable step in strengthening the principles of good governance.

“We are proud to share our experiences and insights with Zimbabwe, and we are equally eager to learn from your own practices and innovations. Together, we can strengthen our resolve and develop effective strategies to ensure that our nations thrive, building societies that uphold the principles of good governance and accountability,” Muhairwe said.

She added, “This exchange of knowledge is a powerful tool for fostering collaboration and driving progress across the continent.”

In a lighter moment, Muhairwe addressed some Ugandans who have labelled the country as “very corrupt” and “staunch abusers of human rights,” asserting that Uganda’s contributions to the continent’s progressive development are admirable to other nations.

She noted that the ZHRC’s study visit reflects Uganda’s progress toward achieving a corruption-free state, something that has drawn interest from many other countries looking to learn from Uganda’s example.

“We are not as bad as some people try to make us appear; in fact, we are admired by many countries across the continent,” Muhairwe said.