Kampala– The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) a body mandated to conduct research/investigations and publish periodic reports on on the state of human rights and freedoms in the country, on Wednesday released its 28th Report for the year 2025.
The Report highlighted several activities, achievements and challenges which have been faced by the commission as well as recommendations on its operations as well as the state of human rights in the country.
While launching the 28th Annual Report Hon. Lamex Omara Apita member of the Commission on behalf of Lady Justice Mariam Wangadya, the Commission Chairperson, called upon on State and non state Actors to ensure that all recommendations of the report are implemented.
“The annual report is purpose is not just for critiquing, but rather to constructively engage all stakeholders towards fostering accountability, transparency, democratic governance and respect for human rights.” Remarked Hon. Lamex Apitta Omara
He also stated that protection of Human Rights is everyone’s responsibility and therefore called upon every Ugandan to be an agent for the protection of dignity, equality, tolerance and justice.
Findings
The Report revealed that a total 1,747 complaints in 2025 and of these, 324 were registered as raising alleged human rights violations.
Most of the complaints registered by the UHRC were against the Uganda Police Force (UPF), with a total of 181 complaints.
The UPF was followed by complaints registered against private individuals, with 85 complaints, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) with 37 complaints, 16 against MDA’s and Uganda Prisons (UPS) with 09 complaints.
The alleged violation of the deprivation of personal liberty ranked highest among the complaints registered, with 133 complaints. These were followed by complaints of the violation of freedom from torture at 117, and the violation of alleged denial of child maintenance at 74 complaints.
In fulfilment of its constitutional mandate to investigate alleged human rights violations, the UHRC investigated 1,011 complaints. 81 complaints were mediated and 3,183 complaints were referred to various institutions and organisations for appropriate management.
In 2025, the UHRC Tribunal heard 252 matters and disposed of 131 complaints. A total of UGX 885 million was awarded in compensation to victims of human rights violations. Violations involved included the right to life, personal liberty and freedom from torture.
The Report raised concern of delayed payment of compensation to victims of human rights violations, delays of disposal of cases at the investigating stage mainly as a result of inadequate resources, delays in hearing of complaints as a result of case backlog and the reliance on manual complaints management system which affects tracking and following up on cases.
Drug and substance abuse in Uganda
The report printed out harmful use of alcohol and illicit drugs erodes the dignity, health, and opportunities of millions, particularly the youth who make up 75% of the population of Uganda.
This was blamed on Poverty, unemployment, and weak social support systems leave young Ugandans vulnerable thus forcing many young people to turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism.
The Report also stated that Uganda has one of Africa’s highest per capita alcohol consumption rates (12 liters of pure alcohol per person annually), ranking among the highest globally.
That the first substance use typically occurs between ages 13–15, increasing addiction risks.
Butabika National Referral Mental Hospital reported that 40% of mental health admissions are substance abuse-related.
Alcohol and drugs contribute to fatal accidents whereby in 2024, over 2,800 Ugandans under 35 died in road crashes linked to alcohol.
Recommendations
Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development was asked to Prioritize community sensitization and prevention campaigns.
The Ministry of Health was asked to strengthen treatment and rehabilitation services, ensuring accessibility and nondiscrimination.
Parents and Caretakers were asked to provide guidance, emotional support, and supervision to children.
Uganda National Bureau of Standards has been advised to regulate alcohol quality and quantity in formal and informal sectors.
