Human Rights Defenders equipped to overcome land rights violations

On 19 March 2025, ActionAid Uganda, in collaboration with Witness Radio and Action Alliance, held a four-day training for the Human Rights Defenders(HRD) of the community in Mubende District.

In 2024, ActionAid International documented Human Rights Violations and interfaced with HRDs from the communities of Namwasa Mududu sub-county, Mubende District, and Kiryandongo District.

It was found that the key human rights violations were threats, illegal arrests, destruction of property, and being beaten. It was through this activity that the community members requested training on independent accountability mechanisms and non-violent actions.

This training involves the affected communities of Kiryandongo and Mubende who have pursued various avenues for justice, including mediation, court cases, and stakeholder engagement, yet these efforts have yielded little success.

The actions of the HRDs have led to severe retaliation from project implementers, including arrests, detention, sexual violence, and hostage-taking. This backlash is partly due to a lack of personal security awareness among affected individuals.

According to Esther, Fair Green, and Global coordinator, “This training has equipped affected persons with essential skills such as situational awareness, avoiding predictable routines, adhering to security protocols, maintaining effective communication, and exercising sound judgment."

‘’There is a need for safety and continued participation in advocacy efforts. We have to continue to provide personal security training like this one,’’ Esther Added.