Law student scoops EU Human Rights Defenders Award
Praise Aloikin Opoloje, 26, who is in her final year of the degree course, was selected as a winner in recognition of her courageous activism for civil liberties, accountability, social justice and anti-corruption in Uganda.
From left to right: Mariam Wangadya, Human Rights Commission chairperson, Jan Sadek, European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Praise Aloikin Opoloje, the winner of the European Union Human Rights Defenders award and Maria Håkansson, Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda pose for a photo during the awarding ceremony at Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Kololo on May 15, 2025. (Photos by Juliet Kasirye)
By Juliet Kasirye
Journalists @New Vision
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A Makerere University law degree student has won this year’s European Union (EU) Human Rights Defenders Award.
The award is in recognition of outstanding contributions by human rights defenders in Uganda.
Praise Aloikin Opoloje, 26, who is in her final year of the degree course, was selected as a winner in recognition of her courageous activism for civil liberties, accountability, social justice and anti-corruption in Uganda.
According to the EU, Opoloje has been arrested twice and remanded to Luzira Prison in her pursuit of fundamental rights. She was involved in several protests in Uganda, including the June 2023 anti-corruption protests and demonstrations against civilians in military detention.
Other nominees for this year’s award included Hussein Kato Muyinda, a lawyer and environmental rights defender, and Norah Kobusingye, a vocal advocate for women’s rights.
Muyinda was nominated for his inspiring work on environmental protection, while Kobusingye was nominated for her bold stand against corruption and gender-based violence.
As the co-founder of the Earth Rights Initiative, Muyinda participated in the Save Bugoma Forest campaign, while Kobusingye, the co-executive director at Freedom Hive Uganda, demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication in the fight against corruption and human rights abuses, including a nude protest against abuse of power and participation in the July 2024 march to parliament.
Upon receiving the award, Opoloje acknowledged the new young generation of human rights defenders in Uganda, noting that they passionately advocate for human rights, driven by hope for a better future.
Crispin Kaheru, Mariam Wangadya, Human Rights Commission chairperson interacts with Robert Ssempala, Human Rights Network for Journalists Uganda Executive Director during the awarding ceremony at Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Kololo on May 15, 2025. 
This was during the awarding ceremony at the Swedish Ambassador’s residence in Kololo on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
"I appreciate this award and hope that my spirit of courage can inspire the initiatives you undertake," Opoloje said, "whatever action you choose to take should not be driven by convenience, but rather by a recognition of the revolution that exists in Uganda today".
European Union Ambassador to Uganda Jan Sadek described Opoloje as an inspiration to many youth, especially women and young mothers.
“Despite facing challenges, including being arrested twice and remanded to Luzira prison, you still carry on and encourage young people to be involved in the politics of Uganda, calling for respect of all rights and respect of the law,” Sadek said.
"We hope this award will encourage you to continue your journey as a human rights defender," he added.
Sadek also commended Human Rights Commission chairperson Mariam Wangadya for her dedication in raising her voice on torture and press freedom, among others.
Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda Maria Håkansson emphasized the Ugandan state's responsibility under international law to respect, protect, and fulfil human rights for all citizens, including taking measures to protect human rights defenders.
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general election, Wangadya advised Ugandans to enjoy and exercise their rights and freedoms without fear.
“The protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms is a work in progress. It is an ongoing struggle. We, as the Uganda Human Rights Commission, commit to protect and promote every person’s human rights and dignity,” Wangadya said.
On the issue of violation of Human Rights, Wangadya said, it is a duty they are performing well despite any circumstances and they will continue to work so hard to ensure everyone is happy in Uganda.