LOSCO QUARTERLY HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION ANALYSIS AND KEY ISSUES IN KIGEZI.
April 1, 2026.
Dear Human Rights Defenders, Actors, and Partners in the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,
A Happy New Year to you all.
As we begin this year, the Local Sustainable Communities Organisation (LOSCO) calls upon you to renew our collective commitment to advancing human rights, justice, and the rule of law. We are pleased to share our Quarterly Human Rights Situation and Analysis (January–March), highlighting key developments, emerging concerns, and the evolving environment for human rights defenders in Uganda.
This period presents both progress and pressing challenges that demand our continued vigilance, solidarity, and action. We invite you to critically engage with these insights and reflect on how each of us can contribute individually and collectively to strengthening civic space, promoting accountability, and safeguarding fundamental rights at sub-national, national, regional, and global levels. Together, our voices, actions, and partnerships remain essential in driving meaningful and lasting change.
Below are some of the highlighted issues:
KIGEZI SUB REGIONAL SITUATION:
Veterans in Kigezi Protest Exclusion from Tarehe Sita 45th Anniversary Medal Awards:
Veterans in the Kigezi region expressed anger at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces- UPDF, for failing to recognize their contributions during the recently concluded 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations, held in Kabale, marked the culmination of a struggle that predates the armed resistance launched on February 6, 1981. The veterans claim that they were tasked with compiling a list of those who participated in both armed and unarmed struggles to ensure their contributions were acknowledged.
According to the veterans, they initially prepared a list of 65 individuals from across the Kigezi region, representing groups such as the Front for National Salvation-FRONASA, the National Resistance Army-NRA, and the Ugandan Patriotic Movement-UPM. However, they were instructed to reduce the list to just 16 names, a task they say they willingly completed.
Turyamutunga, Chairperson of the Greater Kabale Veterans Association questioned why Kigezi lacks a minister in charge of Kigezi affairs, unlike other regions, which has resulted in diminished benefits for people and veterans in the area.
KABALE; Demoting Head Teachers won’t Fix Kabale’s Education Crisis:
The recent decision by the Kabale District Local Government to demote 15 head teachers and summon others to the District Rewards and Sanctions Committee over poor performance in the 2025 Primary Leaving Examinations (PLE) has reignited an old debate; Who should carry the blame when academic results fall short?
At first glance, the move appears decisive, even necessary. Leadership must come with responsibility Schools can not be left to drift without consequences for poor outcomes. Yet, while accountability is vital, reducing complex education challenges to the performance of a few head teachers risks mistaking symptoms for causes.
Examination results are the final product of a long chain of influences. They reflect not only school leadership, but also socio-economic conditions of learners, the involvement of parents, teacher morale, availability of instructional materials, classroom congestion, infrastructure gaps, and the consistency of government support.
https://thesource.co.ug/education/demotting-head-teachers-wont-fix-kabales-education-crisis
KABALE; Boy Child Still Left Behind Despite Progress in Women Empowerment:
When boys are neglected and grow up without education, it eventually affects families and society as a whole. Bridget Asinga, the National Resistance Movement chairperson for Kabale District and women councillor for Kyanamira Sub-County, raised concern that the boy child remains neglected even as the country continues to celebrate progress in women empowerment.
Speaking to Light News Network at her home in Kyanamira following the recent commemoration of International Women’s Day, Asinga said many parents have shifted their attention mainly towards supporting girls, leaving boys vulnerable and without adequate guidance.
Noting that as a result, a growing number of underage boys are abandoning school and engaging in casual labour such as stone quarrying, which is affecting their education and future prospects she added that although empowering girls remains important, parents should ensure that both boys and girls are given equal attention, support, and opportunities.
“When girls get married to uneducated men, it can create serious challenges in families and communities” urging parents and leaders to also prioritize the welfare and education of boys.
Therefore parents, teachers, and communities are called upon to work together to ensure that no child boy or girl is left behind in the county’s development.
RUBANDA; Leaders, Residents Seek Support After Heavy Rains Damage Roads in Nshanjare:
Leaders and residents of Nshanjare Town council in Rubanda District appealed to the government for urgent intervention to reopen and repair roads that were severely damaged by heavy rains that recently hit the area.
The downpour left several roads flooded, blocked, and badly eroded by fast-flowing water. In some areas, stones were washed onto the roads while others developed deep gullies, making them difficult or impossible to use.
Local Leaders said the destruction has significantly disrupted transport and daily economic activities in the community.
Robert Barisigara, the LC1 Chairperson of Ryamihanda village, said the damaged roads have made it difficult for residents to move goods to and from markets.
Residents also reported that the heavy rainfall destroyed homes and crop gardens, leaving many families facing serious losses.
Local leaders are now calling on government agencies to urgently assess the damage and provide support to repair the roads and help communities recover from the disaster.
https://share.google/vf0w5A9ORA18F1prD
KABALE; Two Men Commit Suicide in Kabale within a Day.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the first case involved Michael Twesigomwe, a resident of Makanga cell in Kabale Municipality who was working as a shamba boy in Kamuganguzi sub-county. His body was discovered at Rwamucumo cell in Nyakasharara Parish. Police believe the incident may have occurred between march 15 and March 16, though the exact time and circumstances remain unclear.
In a separate incident reported in Kyambinga Village, Ntarabana Parish in Buhara Sub-country, Benson Twinomuhangi was also found dead in a garden. Police say the deceased had reportedly struggled with mental health challenges from time to time.
The Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, urged members of the public to seek help from relevant authorities and support services when facing personal challenges.
RUKUNGIRI: Rukungiri prison inmates demand faster trials, legal awareness amid long remands.
Inmates at Rukungiri Government Prisons expressed concern about the long remand periods for petty offenders and called for the immediate posting of a Chief Magistrate at Rukungiri Chief Magistrate’s Court to speed up case hearings.
The concerns emerged during a sensitization session held at the prison, aimed at enhancing inmates’ understanding of the criminal justice system. The event, organized by the Judicial Service Commission Mbarara Regional Office, is said to have brought together representatives from key justice sector institutions to engage inmates on their rights and legal processes.
Some inmates note that long remand period sometimes pressure suspects to plead guilty to offences they did not commit, simply to secure a quicker resolution of their cases. They also call for criminal sessions to be conducted in Kanungu District, highlighting that some prisoners have remained on remand for over three years without their being heard.
During the session, the Assistant Registrar of Rukungiri High Court, Her Worship Hellen Atigo, guided inmates through the criminal justice process from arrest to sentencing, explaining the rights of accused persons, plea-bargaining procedures, and bail refund requirements.
RUKIGA: leaders seek answers on incomplete water project
The project, valued at 39.6 million shillings, was designed to supply clean and safe water to residents of kakyiri and kashumuruzi villages in kashambya sub- county as well as Kabirizi village in rwamucucu sub county.
They noted that residents in the affected areas continue to rely on unsafe water sources, particularly the Rushebeya kanyabaha swamp, which increases their risk of waterborne diseases and argue that this situation undermines government efforts to achieve universal access to clean and safe water.
The councillors also raised concerns about alleged manipulation of the project for personal gain, claiming it may have been diverted to benefit a few individuals, including local leaders and business interests, instead of the wider community.
https://thesource.co.ug/national/Rukiga-leaders-seek-answers-on-incomplete-water-project/
KISORO: sets eviction deadline for chibumba wetland encroachers as floods disrupt schooling.
The directive was issued on Thursday by Resident District Commissioner Hajji Badru Sebyala during ajoint inspection by the district security and natural resources committees, and the move follows persistent flooding that disrupts activities at chibumba primary school and chibumba trading centre. Sebyala instructed farmers to harvest their crops within the given timeframe, warning that no new cultivation will be tolerated in the wetland and notes that the affected area, spanning over 20 acres across chibumba and mpundu villages in chahafi town council, is currently used to grow Irish potatoes,maize,yams cabbage, role as a natural water catchment, absorbing runoff from the hills of murora and kanaba sub counties and adds that security personnel will be deployed to enforce evictions once the deadline expires.
KABALE; Residents Raise Alarm Over Open Sewer Chambers in Kabale Town.
Residents of kigongi ward in the central Division of Kabale Municipality, Kabale District have raised serious concerns over several open inspections chambers linked to the sewer system managed by the National water and sewerage corporation (NWSC), describing the situation as a growing threat to public safety and health.
The affected chambers, connected to the kigongi B sewer line, have been left uncovered at nultiple points along kigongi Road. Locals say the exposed openings endanger pedestrians, roadside vendors, motorists, and particularly boda boda riders who frequently use the busy route.
During the rainy season, the situation worsens as the chambers fill with water, making them nearly invisible and significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
https://kigezitv.com/residents-raise-alarm-over-open-sewer-chambers-in-kabale-town/
KISORO; A woman in Kisoro Goes into Hiding after Stabbing Husband to Death
A woman went into hiding after allegedly stabbing her husband in Kisoro District identified as Juliet Nyiraguhirwe, a resident of Gasenyi Village, Mabungo Parish in Nyarusiza sub-county, is accused of killing her husband, Bosco Rurakabije (35) with whom she shared the same home.
Police in Kisoro launched a manhunt for Nyiraguhirwe following the incident. According to police, when the deceased reportedly returned home intoxicated and picked a quarrel with his wife in the presence of their 15-year-old son, Irakiza Fabiano.
The situation escalated when Rurakabije allegedly picked up a knife and attempted to stab his wife. In the struggle that followed. Nyiraguhirwe reportedly overpowered him, grabbed the knife, and stabbed him twice in the back before escaping to an unknown location.
https://thesource.co.ug/crime/kisoro-woman-goes-into-hiding-after-stabbing-husband-to-death/