The UN’s Human Rights Office in Uganda closed after 18 years. The Government chose not to renew the host country agreement, as confirmed by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — The UN’s Human Rights Office in Uganda closed after 18 years. On Sunday, the Government chose not to renew the host country agreement, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
This closure in Kampala follows recent sub-office closures in Gulu and Moroto.
In February, the Government terminated OHCHR’s mandate in Uganda. Media reports mentioned NGOs and human rights defenders opposing the move and calling for its reversal.
The government explained that due to strong commitment to promoting and protecting Human Rights and the prevailing peace in the country, along with robust National Human Rights Institutions and a vibrant Civil Society, they couldn’t extend the mandate beyond the current term.
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A letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 3 stated Uganda’s cooperation with OHCHR Headquarters, either directly or through its Permanent Mission in Geneva. The ministry appreciated OHCHR’s contribution to promoting and protecting Human Rights in Uganda and enhancing the capacity of National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organizations.
“The Ministry wishes to convey Government’s appreciation to the OHCHR Country Office for its contribution towards the promotion and protection of Human Rights in Uganda, and the enhancement of the capacity of National Human Rights Institutions and Civil Society Organizations in the country,” the statement read.
Volker Türk expressed regret over the office’s closure after 18 years, highlighting their close collaboration with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, and engagement with State institutions to protect human rights.
“I regret that our office in Uganda had to close after 18 years, during which we were able to work closely with civil society, people from various walks of life in Uganda, as well as engaging with State institutions for the promotion and protection of the human rights of all Ugandans,” Volker Türk said.
He emphasized the UN human rights office’s ongoing commitment to work on human rights in Uganda in line with his global mandate.
“Much progress has been made in the country over the years, but serious human rights challenges remain in the path to full enjoyment of human rights for all,” the High Commissioner said.
High Commissioner Türk mentioned engaging with the Government and partners, integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into national planning, and adopting a national action plan on business and human rights.
He expressed concern about serious human rights challenges ahead of the 2026 elections, particularly in an increasingly hostile environment for human rights defenders, civil society actors, and journalists.
This year, other UN human rights mechanisms, including the Committee against Torture and the Human Rights Committee, also expressed concerns, such as the Anti-Homosexuality Act in May 2023 criminalizing same-sex relations.
Mr. Türk called on the Government to ensure the Uganda Human Rights Commission functions effectively and independently as the main body overseeing human rights in the country.
He urged the Ugandan government to provide the Commission with adequate resources to execute its important mandate effectively.
“The Uganda Human Rights Commission, our long-standing partner in the protection and promotion of human rights in the country, is chronically under-funded and under-staffed, and reports of political interference in its mandate undermine its legitimacy, independence and impartiality,” he said.
“I urge the Ugandan government to provide the Commission with adequate human, technical and financial resources so that it may more effectively execute its important mandate.”
“On our part, the UN Human Rights Office remains committed to working on human rights in Uganda, in line with my global mandate,” Türk added.
OHCHR’s Uganda office, established in July 2005 with offices in Gulu, Kitgum, Kotido, Lira, Pader, Soroti, and Kampala, initially focused on human rights in conflict-affected areas of Northern and Northeastern Uganda. In 2009, the mandate extended to cover the entire country and all human rights issues.
Uganda’s OHCHR office stood among Africa’s most significant UN human rights presences.
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