Under the Project dubbed; PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIC COMPETENCE THROUGH COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT IN KIGEZI

Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) is a legally registered, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization committed to advancing inclusive and sustainable community development in Uganda. Founded in 2017 by a diverse group of human rights defenders, social workers, women leaders, and community development practitioners, and was established to promote inclusive policies and practices that empower marginalized communities socially and economically. The organization that is registered with the Uganda NGO Bureau under the NGO Act, 2016 and the NGO Registration Statute of 1989. It is also incorporated as a company limited by guarantee under the companies act, Cap. 110 by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau (URSB), and is duly registered with both the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) and the Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) envisions “stable and sustainable community development” and works to realize this through its mission: to advocate for the protection of human rights and promote civic engagement through capacity enhancement for self-sustainability and development. A milestone in its institutional journey was the formation of a working group in February 2017, composed of representatives from marginalised communities to ground LOSCO’s work in community voice and inclusion. LOSCO operates in all regions of Uganda, with a strong presence in the six districts of the Kigezi Sub-region (Kabale, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Kisoro, Rukiga, and Rubanda), and maintains its head office in Kabale municipality.

Over the years, LOSCO has implemented civic education and human rights awareness programs, enabling grassroots communities to understand their rights and responsibilities and has also facilitated dialogues between citizens and state institutions to strengthen accountability and rule of law. By building partnerships with local government, civil society, and justice actors, LOSCO contributes to the realization of the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

To address the above challenges, LOSCO Conducted a capacity enhancement workshop for selected HRDs and JLOS Actors in Kigezi Region with a specific focus on the obligations that are enshrined in the International Bill of Rights, to specifically empower the actors in current information and trends of Human Rights Activities and enhance their capacity.  The Legal and Human Rights Officer for Kigezi region, ASP Arnold Ndagije, has warned that many citizens in the region remain unaware of their rights and responsibilities, a challenge compounded by misinformation and limited access to accurate information.

Speaking at a dialogue organized by the Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) at White Horse Inn in Kabale, Ndagije said marginalized groups are the most affected, often unable to claim their rights or fully participate in community decisions.

The event brought together legal experts, community leaders, and political aspirants to examine barriers to citizen participation and inclusive development in Kigezi.

Ndagije noted that widespread disinformation distorts public understanding and undermines civic engagement. He added that inequitable representation and societal divisions further prevent minority communities from accessing leadership opportunities or having their voices heard.

“Many citizens do not know their rights, and this leaves them vulnerable to abuse. Civic education and targeted sensitization programs are urgently needed to empower all communities, especially minorities,” Ndagije said. https://www.youtube.com/embed/7gSz7kq_1Xo?feature=oembed

Jennifer Atuheire, Legal Officer with FIDA Kabale, said these gaps in civic knowledge directly contribute to human rights violations. She urged citizens to engage more actively in community affairs, whether through volunteering, supporting initiatives, or participating in decision-making.

Atuheire further stressed the need for critical thinking and social responsibility, pointing out that torture remains a serious concern in the region.

Tugumisirize Amos, Executive Director of KADOLHA, highlighted the plight of the Batwa community, who he said have extremely low awareness of human rights. He shared cases where Batwa individuals who learned about their rights were rejected by peers or blocked from leadership roles due to stereotypes and majority bias.

Amos called for deliberate efforts to include marginalized groups in civic education.

Kabale Woman MP aspirant Grace Akunda Bekunda shared her personal experience contesting in Ndorwa East, where she was the only female candidate in what was widely considered a “man’s seat.”

She emphasized that lack of civic awareness among voters often denies capable leaders opportunities, reinforcing gender and cultural stereotypes.

Akunda concluded by calling for regular community barazas to promote civic education, saying leadership should be based on competence and service, not gender, religion, or minority status.

Kigezi Human Rights Dialogue Calls for Improved Reporting of Law Enforcement Abuses.

https://thesource.co.ug/current-affairs/civic-dialogue-exposes-gaps-in-human-rights-enforcement-in-kigezi/https://kigezitv.com/news/story/citizens-in-kigezi-urged-to-embrace-civic-education-rights-awareness/