#HRDProtectionBill2020, is a journey that begun in 2014, with a study conducted by DPI “The Legislative Climate for HRDs in Uganda.” A glance at the legal excesses”, which analyzed the gaps in prevailing laws vis a vis the work of HRDs and recommended for a specific law that provides for the recognition and protection of HRDs in Uganda. The #HRDProtectionBill2020 was drafted in cognizance and reference to the Model Law on the Protection of HRDs.
A team of national NGOs known as the HRD Law Collaborators has supported this process by creating awareness of the Bill to other NGOs and civil society, advocacy meetings with duty bearers and other key stakeholders, amending from the 1st draft-5th draft of the Bill and regularly holding strategic meetings on having the Bill passed into law.
The Collaborators include: DPI, Human Rights Centre Uganda (HRCU), DefendDefenders, National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders-Uganda (NCHRD-U), Chapter Four and Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET) The proposed Bill will provide for the recognition and protection of HRDs in Uganda, enhance partnership and collaboration between the government and HRDS and promote compliance with international human rights standards and best practices.
See HRD Protection Bill 2020 Road Map
On 9th July 2020, Hon. Lyandra Komakech (MP Gulu Municipality), Hon. Abala (Ngora County) & Hon. Silas Aogon (MP Kumi Municipality) were granted leave of Parliament to table the #HRDProtectionBill2020.