From the clamoring streets of Uganda’s urban communities down to its tranquil rural corners, a peaceful transformation brews, an undeniable trend blows as devoted people armour up to battle for a purpose that has been at the core of mankind for centuries: human rights.

The Winds of Change

Founded in 1972 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, the International Society for Human Rights has expanded its cause to various countries to enable the realization of human rights worldwide. These activities have impacted the lives of not only the advocates but persons in the communities as well.

Meet Madrine Prisca Musiime, a 13-year-old who has recently embarked on the journey to become a force of change through promoting skills in Uganda. Her journey began a few months ago, when she attended an ISHR program, “Human Rights Through Storytelling,” an event that solidified the concept that innovations and creatives are an avenue for activism and advocacy.

“Initially, I was hesitant to attend because I thought it was simply going to be a theory session on human rights, but my friends convinced me to attend. On the contrary, this program employed visual arts and performances by the students to enable us to have a firsthand grasp on what human rights are.” Madrine said.

“Amidst other performances, I got a chance to perform. I sung ‘The Prison Song’ from a recent Nigerian movie. However, the takeaway from the entire session was that human rights advocacy and activism is not only marching to the streets; it’s about innovation, negotiation, and change. ‘I knew then that I had to do something to create a difference,’” she added.

The Advocacy Landscape

Across the country, just like Madrine, countless individuals work tirelessly to promote and protect human rights. However, despite the progress made, human rights advocacy remains an uphill battle in Uganda as advocates and activists face a plethora of challenges. These include challenges such as intimidation, harassment, and limited financial support crippling, to mention but a few.

Time and time again, Uganda’s interface with human rights seems to be marred by intimidation and harassment from the security personnel. A stark reality that seems intended to deter the acceptance and implementation of advocacy and activsim amongst the people. However this is not to mean that there are no advocates or advocacy programs in Uganda.

For most individuals intending to join the cause, limited human rights and professional guidance coupled with financial constraints are the key barriers in the implementation of advocacy programs.

Madrine Prisca recounts her journey so far, highlighting,

“There are times when it’s really hard to stay motivated because sometimes the finances deter you from successfully implementing, a project ot program. For example, buying the necessary material and equipment, facilitation for movements. But I do what I can with what is available.”

Kiiza Arnold, one of the judges at the “Human Rights Through Storytelling” program, emphasises that there is a need for various civil society organisations both internally and internationally to borrow a leaf from the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) in engaging the global youth in the humanitarian cause.

This, he said,

“not only provides a wider scope of perspective but also provides a sense of direction to the youth that desperately want to implement change but are limited by the means and knowledge.”

As we stroll down the activism and advocacy lane, we are reminded that our work is a long way from over. Be that as it may, together, our collective actions can change the lives of persons not only in Uganda but worldwide.

Marie Patricia Natakwa