UHRC Steps Up Human Rights Training for Fisheries Enforcers and Security Agencies

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has launched a fresh initiative to strengthen human rights protection in Uganda’s fishing sector by equipping fisheries officials and security personnel with skills for rights-based enforcement.

The two-day training is being conducted by the UHRC Kampala Regional Office at the Civil Service College in Jinja. It has brought together Fisheries Management Committee members, Fisheries Officers and security personnel attached to the UPDF 155 Marine Battalion and the Uganda Police Force from Mukono and Wakiso districts.

The programme is centred on the Human Rights-Based Approach, giving participants practical guidance on how to perform enforcement duties without compromising the rights and dignity of people involved in fishing and related activities.

The training was officially opened by UHRC Acting Secretary Mr Byonabye Kamadi, represented by Acting Director of Research, Education and Documentation Ms Rosemary Kemigisha. She thanked development partners, including the European Union and ENABEL, for supporting efforts aimed at advancing Business and Human Rights in Uganda.

Kamadi said the programme would help strengthen collaboration between the different institutions responsible for fisheries management and enforcement. He also highlighted the importance of effective accountability and referral mechanisms when human rights concerns arise during operations.

Ms Juliet Logose, Head of the UHRC Kampala Regional Office, said enforcement agencies should base their operations on legality, necessity, proportionality, accountability and non-discrimination. She said observing these principles is essential for ensuring that law enforcement and fisheries regulations are implemented without unnecessary infringement on people's rights.

Participants are also using the training to examine human rights challenges within the fishing sector, drawing from experiences encountered in their respective areas. The sessions are intended to promote a better understanding of the concerns affecting fishing communities and identify practical approaches for resolving them.

The training is expected to improve cooperation between fisheries officials and security agencies during enforcement operations while strengthening accountability in the sector. The sessions will continue tomorrow, with participants expected to further discuss human rights concerns and practical measures for ensuring lawful and responsible fisheries enforcement.