Haki Defenders Foundation

Uganda's Land Act mandates fair and adequate compensation for acquired land, but EACOP-affected communities describe systemic undervaluation. One farmer received UGX 3 million for an acre that had sustained his family for generations, funds insufficient to purchase comparable land elsewhere. The legal right to contest valuations exists, but as the report shows, barriers like court delays and lack of legal aid, leave many without recourse. When compensation doesn't reflect actual loss, displacement becomes dispossession. Read the report here: hakidefenders.org/2025/03/31/pre… #EACOP #HakiDefenders

During the last session of our consultative engagements last week, the community EHRDs & activists in solidarity sent a message as they were re-energized & built more hope for defending community & environmental rights. #EHRDSafety @FrontLineHRD @OBS_defenders @DefendDefenders

Last week, our team leader, @munokoh_leah, presented the Global Corridor research on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline to a range of campaigning groups active in the city in trying to stop this pipeline. Read our full report on the #EACOP project here: hakidefenders.org/wp-content/upl… #HakiDefenders #HDF

The #EACOP resettlement process provided uniform housing units in camps like Kyakaboga, regardless of family size. Larger households report overcrowding, with parents and children sharing single-room structures never designed for their needs. As one resident noted: "At night, we lay mattresses on the floor, there's no space for anything else." The report documents how this one-size-fits-all approach contradicts international standards that require resettlement to restore living conditions. When housing fails to accommodate basic family structures, it compounds the trauma of displacement. Read: hakidefenders.org/2025/03/31/pre… #HakiDefenders

Today's session: Enhancing Data Governance in the Public Sector. This session dives into real-world challenges, from siloed government systems to poor interoperability,and explores bold innovations like centralized oversight bodies, interoperable platforms, real-time analytics, and multi-stakeholder data partnerships. All happening at #IGF2025

Alhamdullillah! @AloikinOpoloje, @ClaireNamara12, & @KobusingyeNora who were arrested for peacefully protesting against the impunity exhibited by Museveni’s son have been GRANTED BAIL! #FreePraiseAloikin #FreeNorahKobusingye #FreeClaireNamara

Our team leader, @munokoh_leah, will speaking about the devastating impacts of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). The talk, hosted in collaboration with Greenpeace and local environmental groups, will take place on 2nd July in Manchester. Her presentation will explore the findings from HDF & @Urban_Inst’s groundbreaking report, which exposes the severe social and environmental injustices tied to this $5 billion project. The report, based on interviews with 176 affected individuals, reveals harrowing realities: over 3,600 households displaced, inadequate resettlement camps, and compensation far below market value, leaving many homeless or unable to sustain their livelihoods. The environmental toll is equally alarming, with water contamination, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss devastating communities. Farmers report crop failures and livestock deaths due to oil spills, while polluted water sources have crippled local fisheries. Beyond material losses, the report documents systemic repression, including arrests of activists and suppression of protests. Communities fighting for fair compensation or better living conditions face intimidation and violence. These injustices portray the urgent need for accountability and reform in large-scale infrastructure projects. Read the full report here: hakidefenders.org/2025/03/31/pre… #EACOP

The presidential assent to the bill and its enactment into law demonstrates a disregard for judicial independence in Uganda. By expanding the jurisdiction of military courts, this law poses a direct threat to civil liberties, particularly in the lead-up to the general elections. This move further consolidates President Museveni’s authority, suppresses opposition voices, and erodes democratic principles. Such actions weaken the rule of law and endanger the fundamental freedoms of Ugandan citizens. We call for immediate accountability and the protection of constitutional rights.

@KaramojaRights @KHORDFoundation 📢📢 Our policy brief examines the unchecked power of companies like Tororo Cement, DAO Marble, and East African Mining Ltd and the resulting harm to indigenous communities among similar companies operating in Karamoja @defprotection @HakiDefenders @FriendsofZoka @AmanzWillieONE

RT @KaramojaRights: 📢 NEW POLICY BRIEF OUT NOW! 📢🎯 We are proud to share our latest policy brief titled "Bridging the Human Rights Gap in K…

There are two big lies used to whitewash police/army brutality in Uganda. The first is that it the actions of few. No, it isn't! The brutality is part and parcel of their DNA, that's why it’s ALL over the place, not a few isolated incidents here and there. Also, the fact that the brutal ones are never punished, but the ones who reign in on it like Afande Auma are, proves it is not the case of a few “rotten eggs”. The second is that UPF/UPDF officers represent us, they’re a microcosm of the Ugandan society: broken like the rest of us, and so, brutal like a mob that catches a thief in Kalerwe market. That's another lie: the UPF/UPDF do not just recruit ANY OF US. They pick THE BEST AMONG US for the roles. Moreover, the “lucky few” - ahem, nepotism I see you but that's for another day - are then subjected to rigorous training for months, a strict code of conduct etc all intended to make them even better for the role. Video courtesy. @nickopiyo & @nbstv

The talk will explore a recent report we have released and featured in the Guardian theguardian.com/world/2025/apr…

The Global Corridor project is pleased to announce a public event in Manchester org w/ Greenpeace + other local environmental groups "Talk by Leah Munokoh: Exploring environmental (in)justice along EACOP" Wed, July 2nd. 6.30-7.30, Friends Meeting House greenwire.greenpeace.org.uk/s/event/a2XR50…

Human rights defenders (HRDs), driven by passion and urgency, often prioritise justice for the oppressed and marginalised over their own wellbeing. While this commitment can be deeply rewarding, especially when their efforts lead to change or recognition of others’ suffering, the emotional and physical toll of constant self-sacrifice threatens both their sustainability and overall health. In today’s wellbeing tip, @OtebaKMo, our Senior Protection Officer and Wellbeing Lead, encourages HRDs to take time for themselves: rest, exercise, and even do something as simple as staying hydrated. HRDs can’t pour from an empty cup. #DefendingrightsProtectingminds #20YearsDefending

Female journalists are 4x more likely to experience online abuse than men. Threats & harassment shouldn’t be the cost of telling the truth. Social media platforms must do more 2 protect journalists. Read our #FemTech report 4 more insights: bit.ly/FemTech22  #FutureOfWork

Today, we celebrate your contributions. Thank you for your hard-work and dedication! #LabourDay2025

Did you know? Uganda’s National Land Policy 2013 is up for review. It’s our moment to speak up: •What’s working? •What’s broken? •What must change? Land is life. Let’s shape a fairer future. Are you preparing your input? #LandJusticeUG #PolicyReview #UgandaLandPolicy

We attended @Enabel_Belgium session on Digital Trust and Accountability in the Age of Government Surveillance in Africa. Key outcomes included: • Raising awareness on spyware misuse in Africa • Exploring steps to enhance digital trust and accountability • Fostering collaboration to counter surveillance abuses #DigitalRights #InternetFreedomAfrica #DRIF25

We’re proud to be at #DRIF25 — learning from key discussions like: “Open or Closed? Exploring the Implications of Open Source vs. Proprietary AI Systems in Africa.” We’re also running a Digital Security Clinic to support safer online spaces for all! #DigitalRights #AIinAfrica #CyberSecurity #OpenSource #DPIatDRIF25

Happy Easter to you and your loved ones!