Ugandan wins human rights accolade

By John Agaba

AS ambassadors Kristian Schmidt of the European Union and Alain Hanssen of Belgium, in front of the 28 flags of the EU countries, handed over the Union’s Human Rights Defenders Award for 2015 to Ugandan Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana at the Belgian Ambassador’s residence in Kololo, Kampala, on Thursday, you could tell it wasn’t a small thing — his achievement.

And the human rights activist was ready for it. He stood composed — confident is the word — but with a serious face behind the rims of his eye glasses, like there was a lot serious matters of human rights that he needed addressed urgently, matters much important than the award. 

But there was none. Just a charm. This was his day. And when he moved to the plinth and took the microphone to deliver his acceptance speech, he demonstrated the reason there couldn’t have been a worthier winner.

The executive director Foundation for Human Rights Initiative was eloquent, but more about upholding the rule of law and widening the political space in Uganda.

He underscored the need for a vibrant and independent judiciary, the need for tangible and “ground breaking” electoral reforms, and the need for a stronger and capacity-enabled police in the administration of justice.

“The NGO Amendment Bill 2015 (currently on the floor of Parliament) should seek to be more enabling to ensure citizens can participate in their governance, it should not be limiting. Next year (2016) we have general elections, citizens should not be encouraged to register only, they should also be encouraged to actually turn up and vote — because it is their right to determine the type of leadership they want.”

When Sewanyana was through with his rather the-current-state-of-affairs questioning speech, a nod of approval from the many EU envoys and dignitaries and human rights activists who all this time had been attentively listening to him deliver his speech, awaited him. They clapped him off the stage.

Belgium Ambassador to Uganda, Alain Hanssen, intimated that Sewanyana was recognized for his promotion and protection of democratic rights, good governance, and labour and women’s rights in Uganda.

His initiation of education on human rights in various universities in Uganda and the establishment of a strong human rights movement “all over the country” through the University Students Human Rights Network of 28 associations, was another reason the lawyer beat all to the accolade. 

He was also recognized for his forefront advocacy for the progressive abolition of the death penalty and implementation of human rights standards in criminal justice; and his active participation  in “many” human rights campaigns, among them, the electoral reforms campaign, the access to justice campaign, the transitional justice campaign and the still ongoing campaign against the death penalty.

“As chairperson of the Citizen’s Coalition for Electoral Democracy, he has advocated for free and fair election in the country,” Alain Hanssen said.

“Human Rights Defenders are individuals who, individually or with others, act to promote and protect universally recognized human rights and fundamental freedoms,” Alain Hanssen said.

And, at the function held yesterday morning, it was clear, Sewanyana, the founder Foundation for Human Rights Initiative, has promoted and protected universally recognized human rights.

Previous winners

• Gladys Canogura of Kitgum Women Peace Initiative (2014)

• Assistant Commissioner of Police Christine Alalo, Head of the Uganda Police Family and Child Protection Unit (2014)

• Mohammed Ndifuna, Director Human Rights Network, Uganda (2014)

• Geoffrey Wokulira Ssebagala, former coordinator Human Rights Network for Journalists (2013)

• Gerald Kankya of Twerwaneho Listeners Club, (2012)