At the high-level 87th Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights held in Banjul, Gambia, Uganda delivered a powerful statement regarding its unwavering dedication to the principles of justice, democratic governance, and social upliftment. Leading the delegation, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, who serves as Uganda’s representative to Ethiopia, detailed a compelling vision of a nation that is actively transforming its political and economic landscape to better serve every citizen.
The Ambassador emphasized that Uganda’s political system is built on a foundation of stability and inclusion. She highlighted the successful execution of national elections where a diverse array of twelve political parties competed across various levels of government, including presidential and parliamentary seats. According to Otengo, the nation is moving away from divisive identity politics and is instead focusing on the politics of interest. This strategy aims to unify the country by prioritizing shared goals and national stability under a robust multiparty framework.
A hallmark of the Ugandan model is its radical inclusivity. The delegation proudly noted that the country continues to lead the way in providing a voice for often-marginalized groups. From the halls of Parliament to local government offices, special representation is guaranteed for women, the youth, workers, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. By integrating these voices into the very fabric of governance, Uganda ensures that its leadership reflects the true diversity and needs of its people.
Significant strides have also been made in the realm of legal accountability and the administration of justice. By investing heavily in judicial infrastructure and expanding court services across the country, Uganda has managed to slash its court case backlog nearly in half, dropping from 48 percent to just 24.2 percent. Furthermore, the government has significantly increased its financial backing for the Uganda Human Rights Commission, signaling a deep-seated commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals.
On the economic front, the message was one of triumph over poverty and the promotion of financial dignity. Through targeted initiatives like the Parish Development Model, the Emyooga program, and various specialized funds for women and youth, the government has empowered over 3.3 million households. These programs are successfully bridging the gap between subsistence farming and the modern economy, giving millions of families the tools they need to achieve financial independence and participate in the nation’s wealth.
Uganda’s success extends deeply into social welfare and digital innovation. The Ambassador reported that 91 percent of the population now lives within a five-kilometer radius of a health facility, a massive jump from previous years. Access to clean and safe water has also surged, now reaching over 81 percent of homes nationwide. Beyond its own borders, Uganda continues to act as a humanitarian beacon, hosting nearly 1.9 million refugees. The nation’s world-class refugee policy allows these displaced individuals to integrate fully into society by providing them with access to land, education, and healthcare.
In her concluding remarks, Ambassador Otengo called for a renewed spirit of African solidarity to combat global threats such as climate change, terrorism, youth unemployment, and cybercrime. By reaffirming its partnership with the African Commission, Uganda has positioned itself as a proactive, transparent, and visionary leader committed to a brighter and more equitable future for the entire continent.