Kween, Uganda – Konrad Adenauer Stiftung implementing their project ‘Human Rights, Our Concern’ has convened a dialogue with Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), civil society actors, and media practitioners to deliberate on pressing human rights issues in Kween District.
The engagement brought together stakeholders from various sectors to collectively examine human rights concerns affecting the district and the wider region.According to Mr. Samson Okurut, the project is currently being implemented in 14 districts across Uganda. He emphasized the importance of localized dialogue in addressing recurring rights violations and building a responsive human rights culture.
Participants highlighted a number of critical human rights issues plaguing Kween, including child marriages, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child labor, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), electoral violence, and corruption.The liaison officer in attendance strongly condemned acts of corruption, particularly those involving citizens bribing law enforcement officers to obstruct justice.
He also raised concerns over the common practice of community members mediating serious criminal cases, including capital offences, which he warned undermines legal procedures and justice for victims.
Mr. Cheromit Lasto Stephen, the Mayor of Binyiny Town Council, lauded the efforts of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for its ongoing partnership with the leadership of Kween District.
He stressed the need for a unified approach to tackle human rights violations in the region, noting that the situation requires consistent collaboration between civil society, government institutions, and community members.
