U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Uganda,

as delivered by Jason Mack

Geneva, Switzerland
26th Session, November 3, 2016

The United States welcomes the Ugandan delegation.

We commend Uganda for its treatment of refugees, which can serve as a model worldwide.

We remain concerned that security forces and other authorities continue to violate citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, including political opposition members, journalists, and LGBTI individuals.  We also are concerned that electoral laws and regulations, as noted by Uganda’s Supreme Court and international and domestic election observers, may not provide for a level electoral playing field, and that security force harassment of the political opposition restricts their right to participate in the political process and freely express their opinions and ideas.  Furthermore, we are concerned by sexual and gender-based violence.

We recommend that Uganda:

1. Cease the harassment and arbitrary detention of political opposition leaders and supporters, and ensure that peaceful political dissent and public discourse about human rights, elections, and government policy are allowed to take place freely in public spaces and in the press.

2. Enact electoral reforms to address problems noted by multiple observers during February 2016 elections, including by making the process for appointment to the electoral commission more inclusive and transparent.

3. Strengthen police training on how to investigate sexual and gender based violence, including against children, and ensure that perpetrators of these acts are appropriately prosecuted.

(end statement)

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