A/HRC/19/16
Homosexuality Bill. However, it remained concerned at attacks and accusations against
LGBTI people. Denmark made recommendations.
55.
Germany inquired as to how Uganda would improve the protection of freedom of
expression and how it would ensure an inclusive dialogue with civil society and the media.
It also inquired as to what steps the Government had taken to facilitate the adoption of the
bill on the prohibition of torture, and what action it had taken to ensure the ban on
discrimination. Germany made a recommendation.
56.
Switzerland expressed its pleasure that Uganda had limited the application of the
death penalty; however, it was concerned about discrimination against LGBT persons and
the fact that the Ugandan penal code authorized prosecution and sentencing on the grounds
of sexual orientation. It also stated that the security forces had on several occasions resorted
to the excessive use of force. It made recommendations.
57.
Somalia commended the achievements in the promotion and protection of all human
rights in Uganda. It noted that the international community should extend additional
financial assistance in order to enable the Government to implement its National Action
Plan. Somalia reiterated its gratitude to Uganda for assisting in the ongoing stabilization of
Somalia, as that would boost the enjoyment of human rights in particular in the landlocked
countries in the subregion.
58.
Australia commended Uganda for its incorporation of the Rome Statute of
International Criminal Court into domestic law and for the introduction of the Domestic
Violence Act. Australia also urged Uganda to ensure that provisions concerning freedom of
assembly and expressions were in conformity with international standards. Australia made
recommendations.
59.
The delegation thanked the States for their comments and positive contributions to
the report. The death penalty as a punishment had been responsibly invoked; for example,
the last execution had been carried out in 1999. The death sentence was no longer
mandatory, even for capital offences, following the Supreme Court ruling of January 2009;
those on death row and not executed within three years had their sentences automatically
commuted to life.
60.
On issues related to excessive force, the Government policy was that the individual
officers were personally responsible and accountable for actions committed outside the law.
61.
On freedom of association, the delegation reported that consultations, with all
stakeholders, on the draft public order management bill were ongoing. Through the bill, the
Government sought to regulate public demonstrations and assemblies and also lay down the
responsibilities of all parties concerned.
62.
On the issue of blocking rallies, the Government did not block rallies of political
parties, except when such rallies were organized at places where the general public security,
safety and livelihood were threatened.
63.
On personal liberty, arbitrary arrests and unlawful detentions, the challenge,
especially for the grass-roots population, was a lack of awareness about their rights and
about the procedures to follow when their human rights were infringed on.
64.
On the freedom of expression, the Press and Journalist Amendment Bill 2010 had
been drafted in consultation with various stakeholders. It was yet to be tabled before
Parliament. Meanwhile, additional comments from the public were still welcome, including
during consideration by Parliament of the bill.
65.
As to the media and criminal laws, legal avenues existed for redress where anyone
felt his or her rights had been infringed upon.
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