Human rights education to start in secondary schools

By Michael Odeng and Maxine Kampire      

The ministry of education and sports has launched a national implementation strategy that will enforce human rights education in Ugandan secondary schools.

“This programme has to fit in one of the examinable subjects so that more effort is put by teachers who are teaching it,” said minister of education and sports, Jessica Alupo.

She said this during the launch of the implementation strategy of Human Rights Commission in Uganda and inauguration of the national steering committee at Silver Springs in Bugolobi, Kampala.

 Alupo made a sounding call on the essence of human rights instruction in schools.

She said it is important realization of human rights and fundamental freedom which contributes to equality, prevention of conflict, enhancement of participation and democratization of society.

The minister said that incorporating human rights education into the education system strengthens government’s efforts to empower Ugandans not only to claim and defend rights, but also to respect the rights of others.

She called on the members of the human rights education steering committee to support the implementation of the strategy with guidance on the training policies, processes and tools to facilitate effective learning and training.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) secretary, Gordon Mwesigye said that human rights education grows and nurtures a culture of respect for human rights and dignity in the society.

“Understand and recognize the equality of rights and human dignity of all peoples, in particular by ensuring genuine gender equality and equal opportunities for women and men in all spheres,” he said.