10/12/2025
Our board chair's remarks were delivered by fellow board member, Rev. Canon Musiwuufu Magala and it is reproduced here, verbatim;
The Guest of Honour, Representatives from diplomatic missions, representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies , the National Human Rights Institution, Inter-Governmental organisations, the Coalition Against Torture in Uganda, CSOs, NGOS, ladies and gentlemen, all protocol observed.
Distinguished guests, I am Rev. Canon Augustine Musiwuufu Magala, a board member of ACTV.
On behalf of the ACTV Board Chair, I take this opportunity to wish you all a productive International Human Rights Day 2025 and deliver these remarks.
Introduction
There is a lot of soul searching required of us as we commemorate the Human Rights Day under the national theme: “Strengthening Democratic Space, Upholding Freedom of Expression, Speech, Association, Media and Security of Person.” The Right to vote under Article 59 and the Freedom of Expression, Association and Assembly under Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda cannot be enjoyed in a vacuum. A torture and violence free environment is required in the enjoyment of the aforementioned rights and freedoms.
Much as security agencies have a duty to keep law and order during public assemblies, such an obligation should be exercised within the confines of Article 29 as opposed to the spirit of regulating which resulted in the nullification of Section 32 of the Police Act following Muwanga Kivumbi V Attorney General Constitutional Petition No. 9 of 2005. Security agencies should be seen to be facilitating the enjoyment of the right to expression, assembly and association as opposed to regulating the freedom and being seen as inciters of the violence.
ACTV and the Coalition Against Torture (CAT) which we chair have taken an active rather than a passive approach to addressing violence during elections in Uganda with some notable interventions worth highlighting;
l In 2021, produced a policy brief on torture and violence in relation to elections in Uganda,
l In 2022, documented and offered treatment and rehabilitation to 108 (82 Male and 25 Female) survivors of torture in the period February to May 2022.
l On 26th June 2025 had together with the UHRC and the 30 members of the Coalition Against Torture in Uganda (CAT) conducted a public dialogue under the theme: "A Torture and Violence Free Elections for All, By All" at the Public Dialogue held in Commemoration of Survivors of Torture in Uganda was attended by a total of 129 guests and 4 diplomatic Missions from Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Germany.
On 3rd July 2025, ACTV and UHRC were invited by The Uganda Law Society (ULS), a partner of the CAT to participate in a discussion on peaceful elections hosted by the Radical New Bar at the ULS offices.
Developed draft guidelines on torture and violence free elections by the CAT in Uganda. Produced a booklet on awareness of documentation election violence in Uganda.
In 2021, convened a national dialogue on peaceful elections as a pre-requisite for sustainable economic development in Uganda. Convened 3 regional dialogues on elections with district leaders in 2021.
Convened 3 regional dialogues on elections in Masaka City, Jinja City and Gulu City in the Central, Eastern and Northern regions respectively with the Youth on their role in peaceful elections and their asks of duty bearers ahead of the 2026 General elections in Uganda.
Convened press conferences on elections with actionable recommendations to duty bearers and rights holders in 2021 and 2025.
On 30 July 2025, trained Kampala Metropolitan South Police on torture prevention during elections.
On 24 July 2025, trained journalists on their role in prevention of torture and violence during the general elections 2026. The journalists were from Bukomansimbi, Gomba, Gulu City, Gulu district, Karamoja, Masaka, Mukono, Wakiso and Kampala districts from Central, Northern and Karamoja sub regions in Uganda.
Key recommendations
Therefore, we also call for the following urgent actions;
The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to investigate the human rights violations involved in the ongoing campaigns and ensure justice for those affected.
Security agencies should refrain from partisan conduct during elections and be seen to facilitate the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association as opposed to regulating the right and freedom.
The Independent Electoral Commission should provide leveled ground for all candidates and take lead in prevention of election related violence and torture by developing guidelines on peaceful elections in Uganda.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions should prosecute those found to be in violation of Article 24 and 44(a) under Sections 2,3,4,5 and 7 of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act Cap.130.
Journalists and the media should be impartial to all and expose all acts of human rights violations and abuses investigated for relevant institutions to account.
The General public should use legal means to advocate for their rights and respect each other in order to avoid political violence.
Political parties should institute mechanisms that promote political dialogue and tolerance during the electoral process and provide access to professional and timely documentation of survivors of torture and violence.
Conclusion
Demanding for accountability and respect for rule of law is not a crime but a sign of an empowered citizenry. An open and pluralistic civic space that guarantees freedom of expression and opinion as well as freedom of assembly and association, is a prerequisite for making development and peace sustainable. Democracy includes tolerance and respect for different opinions by all parties involved. Therefore, Human Rights, including the Right to Vote and the Right to Freedom from Torture are not privileges but inherent. We also wish to appreciate our development partners for their technical and financial support towards this national dialogue.
I thank you for listening, For God and My Country and for a torture free World.
Livingstone Okello Okello
Board Chair
The African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV)
