Alarming Rise Of Hate Speech In Uganda’s Central Region Raises Concerns, Urgent Action Needed

Posted by: lukwago J in Uganda news May 24, 2024

In a startling revelation, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has expressed deep concern over the escalating levels of hate speech among Ugandans, with the central region being the hardest hit.

During the presentation of their 26th annual report to Parliament, UHRC Chairperson Mariam Wangadya emphasized the gravity of the situation, warning that if left unaddressed, the country could descend into anarchy.

According to the UHRC’s findings, hate speech has predominantly been propagated by a select group of politicians and certain social media users in the central region.

Wangadya stressed the urgent need to combat this harmful trend for the betterment of the nation. However, the Commission has faced criticism from the Opposition, who accuse it of being biased and failing to take action on reported incidents.

The tensions reached a climax when National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi withdrew a case that he had filed in 2018 during a tribunal chaired by Wangadya.

It is alleged that Kyagulanyi’s party, including its own members, has contributed to the perpetuation of abuses against targeted individuals. While the party has not officially denied the allegations, its principal expressed that he does not condone or encourage insults from his supporters.

In response to the situation, Speaker Anita Among urged the Commission to act as a professional mediator between the Opposition and the government.

She also emphasized the importance of public involvement in the legislative process to ensure transparency and accountability.

Pressing issues included in UHRC’s report

Furthermore, the UHRC’s report shed light on infrastructure development, revealing concerns about the quality of roads, particularly in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.

The report also criticized government entities for withholding or delaying public information when approached by the media.

Another pressing issue highlighted in the report is the plight of stateless communities who are being denied essential government services and rights, including voting, education, land rights, and marriage rights.

Speaker Among expressed her commitment to addressing this matter, promising to engage the Minister for Constitutional Affairs to expedite the establishment of a Constitutional review commission specifically tasked with addressing the concerns of stateless communities.

The report also drew attention to the dire conditions in Ugandan police cells and prison facilities, where overcrowding and the continued use of the bucket system were prevalent.

Wangadya made a heartfelt appeal for the government to invest in better facilities and improve the living conditions of detainees.

It is evident that urgent action is needed to combat hate speech, address infrastructure deficiencies, protect the rights of stateless communities, and improve the conditions in detention facilities.

The UHRC’s report serves as a wake-up call, urging both the government and society at large to come together and work towards a more inclusive, tolerant, and just Uganda.

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