• Version
• Download 0
• File Size 141.07 KB
• File Count 1
• Create Date September 10, 2025
• Last Updated September 10, 2025

Press statement on Condemning the Inhumane Treatment of Families by the Kasese RDC’s Office .docx

Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC) expresses profound concern and disappointment over the treatment of families who sought refuge at the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in Kasese District. These families, already vulnerable due to long-standing disputes over land with both local communities and the Government of Uganda, were subjected to actions that violate their basic human rights and undermine their dignity. The circumstances surrounding their treatment highlight a disturbing disregard for the protections enshrined in the Constitution of Uganda and internationally recognized human rights standards.

For months, these citizens have been embroiled in unresolved land conflicts, leaving them with little recourse or security. Instead of addressing their grievances through dialogue and mediation, authorities forcibly relocated the families back to disputed land. This action placed them directly in harm’s way, exposing them to renewed tension, insecurity, and conflict. Families who approached the RDC’s office seeking safety and the protection of the state were met with hostility, neglect, and coercion. Such treatment reflects a failure to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and protection for vulnerable citizens.

Of particular concern is the deliberate suspension of basic necessities. For nearly three weeks, the families were denied access to food and water, a measure that inflicted extreme suffering and humiliation. The deprivation of these essential resources is not merely neglect but a form of inhumane and degrading treatment. Women and children were disproportionately affected, as they rely on regular access to food and water to meet their survival needs. In these conditions, women faced the almost impossible task of caring for children and protecting the health and well-being of their families under extreme hardship. Denying citizens these basic rights is a serious violation of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, dignity, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

The suffering of the displaced families was further exacerbated by restrictions placed on access to the Kasese Municipality compound. Entrants were barred, preventing humanitarian actors, civil society organizations, journalists, and community members from providing support or solidarity. This blockade not only limited access to essential aid but also symbolized an attempt to suppress the voices of those seeking justice and protection. By isolating these families, authorities denied them the ability to seek assistance, amplify their grievances, or engage with advocates who could help ensure their rights were upheld.

These actions amount to clear violations of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Uganda. Every citizen is guaranteed the right to equality, dignity, safety, and freedom from cruelty. Moreover, Uganda’s international human rights obligations require the state to protect all citizens, particularly those in vulnerable situations. The treatment of these families demonstrates a selective application of justice, leaving marginalized groups exposed and unsupported.

Women have been disproportionately affected by these violations. In times of displacement and crisis, women often bear the responsibility of caring for children, ensuring access to scarce resources, and maintaining the safety and well-being of their families. By depriving women of food, water, and access to safe spaces, authorities have compounded the suffering of entire households and exacerbated existing inequalities. The failure to consider gendered impacts reflects a broader systemic neglect in addressing the specific vulnerabilities faced by women in such crises.

CECIC calls on the Government of Uganda, local authorities, and all relevant agencies to act with urgency and accountability. The grievances of the affected families must be addressed transparently, their safety and dignity restored, and practical support provided to ensure their immediate needs are met. The organization also urges human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and the international community to monitor this situation closely and hold responsible parties accountable for violations of fundamental rights.

Human rights are not privileges they are the fundamental entitlements of every Ugandan. The plight of the families in Kasese should serve as a critical warning: delays in justice and the denial of dignity erode the very foundations of democracy. CECIC reiterates that it is the collective responsibility of the state and society to guarantee that all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, are treated with fairness, compassion, and respect for their inherent rights.