Following an 18-year presence in Kampala, the United Nations’ human rights mission is set to cease operations on Saturday due to the Ugandan government’s decision to terminate its mandate.
Satellite offices located in Gulu and Moroto, situated in northern Uganda, have already undergone closure.
This development arises in response to Uganda’s enactment of anti-LGBT legislation, a move that contradicts guidance from both local and international human rights organizations, including the UN.
In an official statement issued on Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed profound apprehension regarding the lead-up to the 2026 elections. Türk highlighted the escalating hostility faced by human rights advocates, civil society figures, and journalists operating within Uganda.
Furthermore, Türk urged the government to ensure the effective and autonomous functioning of Uganda’s national human rights entity. This body holds the primary responsibility for overseeing human rights matters within the nation.
