launched the Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda project in Kampala Metropolitan region, after successful regional launches in the Albertine and Busoga regions where the project will also be implemented.

The project is part of the European Union's support to implement Uganda’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights and focuses on three thematic areas: labour rights in the agricultural sector, natural resource governance and land, and digital rights and internet governance.

Speaking during the Kampala launch at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, the state minister for gender, labour, and social development in charge of older persons, Hon. Dominic Gidudu Mafabi, acknowledged the existence of human rights violations by businesses in Uganda. “These negative occurrences include; child labour, especially in the farming and mining sectors; violation of workers’ rights, and discrimination against women and vulnerable groups in the business sector”, said Mafabi.

He said that the government is committed to addressing the prevailing human rights violations to ensure that workers enjoy safe working conditions in businesses and other workplaces. “In 2021, we committed to embarking on the business and human rights agenda by adopting the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, whose objectives we are currently implementing as a ministry, together with organisations, state, and non-state actors.

The Commissioner for Equity and Rights at the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Mr. Benard Mujuni said that the project has started timely. “We have conducted this launch in different regions and the complaints were overwhelming, highlighting the need for these issues to be addressed”, said Mujuni.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission, one of the government agencies that will support the implementation of the project, through the chairperson, Mariam Fauzat Wangadya pledged to support the effectiveness of the project by uniting businesses communities, and Civil Society Organisations to strengthen accountability and raise human rights standards”, said Wangadya. The chairperson added that Uganda leads Africa by adopting the first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Lucy Peace Nantume, a Business and Human Rights Expert for Enabel in Uganda during the Busoga region launch emphasized the significance of the project in light of the recent discovery of rare earth minerals in Busoga. "Wherever minerals are found, human rights violations tend to follow. This project will educate communities about their rights, especially as they face potential exploitation related to the new mineral discovery", Nantume noted.

Hon. Sauda Kauma Alibaawo, the area Woman Member of Parliament, lauded the European Union and the implementing partners for launching the initiative at a critical time. She highlighted that communities in Busoga, now aware of their rights, will be better equipped to protect themselves from potential abuses related to mineral extraction and other business activities.

Laurianne Comard, a representative from the European Union said that the EU is excited to be part of Uganda’s journey towards reducing rights abuses in businesses. “We are optimistic about the 5 million Euros Business and Human Rights project. As part of our flagship program supporting sustainable business growth, it’s timely for Uganda as the European Union works toward due diligence regulations ensuring businesses uphold human rights”, said Comard.

The advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda Project is funded by the European Union to the tune of 4.8 million Euros. The three-year project started in 2023 and will end in 2026. It is being implemented in three regions of Uganda, namely: Albertine (Hoima, Kikuube, Masindi, and Kiryadongo districts), Busoga (Mayuge, Iganga, Bugiri, and Bugweri districts), and Kampala Metropolitan (Mukono, Wakiso, and Kampala districts) where the national launch was held.

The project will empower 6 civil society organizations to drive advocacy, dialogue, and actions that strengthen Uganda’s Business and Human Rights agenda. Additionally, 50 businesses will receive support to implement human rights due diligence aligned with both national and international standards.

Other partners that Enabel and the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development will implement the project together with include; the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Equal Opportunities Commission, Businesses and Business Membership Organisations, and Civil society organizations: Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER), Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), Resource Rights Africa (RRA), and Africa Centre for Energy and Mineral Policy (ACEMP).